LIBRARY         '      tMrck.'^t. 


OF  THE 


University  of  California. 

Mrs.  SARAH  P.  WALSWORTH. 

>   ,  Received  October,  1894, 
<iAccessions  No.^^lp^  .     Class  No. 


THE    LITURGY 


Reformed  Church  in  America, 


AS  REPORTED  TO   THE 


GENERAL  SYNOD  OF  1873, 


COMMITTEE    ON  REVISION'. 


NEW  YORK: 
BOARD    OF    PUBLICATION    R.   C.   A,, 

34    VESEY    STREET. 
1873. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1873,  by 

THE   Board   of   Publication   R.  C.  A., 

Rev.  William  Ferris,  Agent, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


EDWARD  O.  JENKINS, 

PRINTER  AND   STEREOTYPER, 

20  North  William  Street,  N.  Y 


CONTENTS. 

I.  Order  OF  Scripture  Lessons        .  .  .      6 

II.  Order  of  Public  Worship        .  .  .  9 

I.  Morning. 

II.  Evening. 

,'        ■     .  * 

III.  Holy  Baptism  .  .  .  ,  .23 

I.  Infants. 
II.  Adults. 

IV.  Reception  of  Baptized  Children      .  .         32 

V.  The  Lord's  Supper  .  .  .  .  .35 

I.  Preparatory. 
II.  Administration. 

III.  Thanksgiving. 

VI.  Church  Discipline         .-  »  ,         47 

I.  Excommunication. 
II.  Re-admission. 

VII.  Ordination     .  .  .  .  .  .56 

I.  Ministers. 


II.  Elders  and  Deacons. 


(3) 


4 

VIII.  Installation  of  Ministers  ...         73 

IX.  Laying  of  Corner  Stone    .  .           .           .80 

X.  Dedication     .           .           .  .           .           .85 

XI.  Confirmation  of  Marriage  ,           •           .         91 

XII.  Burial  of  the  Dead            .  .          .          .95 

XIII.  Prayers  for  Special  Occasions         .  .       104 

XIV.  The  Creeds     .      '     .           .  .           ,           .124 


THE    LITURGY 

OF  THE 

REFORMED  CHURCH  IN  AMERICA. 

REVISED  AND  REPORTED  TO  THE  GENERAL   SYNOD  OF  1873. 


NOTE. 

This  Revised  Liturgy  is  set  forth  as  a  general  expression 
of  the  way  in  which  the  public  services  of  religion  should 
be  performed.  It  is  to  be  understood  that  it  is  not  of 
binding  authority,  but  is  only  recommended  as  containing 
suitable  offices  for  public  religious  service.  The  only  parts 
of  our  service  which  are  obligatory,  are  those  which  are 
enjoined  by  the  Constitution  of  the  Church. 


ORDER   OF   SCRIPTURE   LESSONS. 

The  Synod  of  Dort,  A.D.,  i6i8,  in  its  Rules  of  Chuxch 
Government,  [which  "  were  recognized  and  expressly  adopt- 
ed "  by  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  America,  in  Con- 
vention, New  York,  October,  A.D.,  1771,]  decreed  as  fol- 
lows : 

"Art.  67. — Besides  the  Sabbath  day,  the  Churches  shall 
likewise  observe  Christmas,  Easter,  and  Whitsuntide,  with 
the  day  succeeding  each ;  and  whereas,  in  most  of  the 
cities  and  provinces  of  the  Netherlands,  it  is,  moreover, 
customary  to  observe  the  day  of  the  Circumcision  and  As- 
cension of  our  Lord,  the  Ministers  where  such  practice  has 
not  been  adopted,  shall  endeavor  to  prevail  with  the  civil 
authority  to  establish  a  conformity  with  the  other  Churches." 

This  article  bears  witness  to  the  ancient  usage  of  our 
Church.  The  evident  design  of  that  usage  was  to  bring 
into  devout  remembrance,  year  by  year,  the  vital  facts  of 
the  Advent,  Death,  and  Resurrection  of  Our  Blessed  Lord, 
and  of  the  Mission  of  the  Holy  Comforter.  Thereto  this 
Order  of  Scripture  Lessons  is  adjusted,  with  the  hope  that  if 
any,  in  the  exercise  of  Christian  liberty,  shall  use  it,  such 
use  may  be  found  to  edification. 

(lessons  appropriate  for  particular  seasons.) 


Humiliation 

or.. 
Thanksgiving 

or.. 
Holy  Baptism 

or.. 
Tiie  Lord's  Supper 

or.. 
Ordination  or  Installation  of  a  Minister 

or., 
Ordination  of  Elders  and  Deacons. .  . . 
Dedication  of  a  House  of  Worship 

or. 


OLD  TES 

TAMENT. 

NEW  TESTAMENT, 

Isaiah, 

58.... 

Matthew, 

6:1-18 

Joel, 

2:1-18.. 

James, 

4 

Deut. 

16:1-17.. 

Philippians 

4:4-30 

Isaiah, 

12... 

Acts, 

17:24-81 

Isaiah, 

44:1-6.. 

Matthew, 

18:3-14 

Ezekiel, 

36:25-38.. 

Romans, 

6:3-14 

Isaiah, 

53.... 

John, 

17 

63:1-16.. 

Hebrews, 

10:1-23 

61  ... 

2  Timothy, 

4:1-8 

Ezekiel, 

88:1-20.. 

1  Corinthians,   13 

Isaiah, 

62  ... 

Ephesians, 
1  Kings, 

4:1-16 

Exodus, 

40:17-38.. 

9:1-9 

Hebrews 

13:10-21.. 

Rev. 

21:10-27 

ORDER  OF  SCRIPTURE  LESSONS 

FOR  USE  IN  PUBLIC  WORSHIP  ON  THE  LORD'S  DA  V. 


I. 
SEASON  OF  THE  ADVENT  OF  OUR  LORD. 

(CHRISTMAS.) 

The  Order  of  Lessons  for  the  Christmas  Season  begins  with  the  fourth  Sunday 
before  Christmas. 


4  Snn,  before  Christmas 

3     "         

2     "         

1     "        

Christmas  (Dec.  25) 

Circumcision  (Jan  1). . . 
1  Sun.  after  Christmas 


OLD   TEST. 

Isaiah,    1 

5... 

"       25..,. 

"       30.... 

"       6^.... 

Gen,  17:1-10.. 

,  35.   .. 

41.... 

44.... 

51... 

54.... 

57... 

61.... 

65.... 


NEW  TEST. 

Lnlse,  1:1-38.. 

"      1:39-56. 

"  3:1-18.. 
Matt.,  3:1-12.. 
Luke,  2:7-20.. 

"      2:21-24. 

"  2:25-52. 
Matt.,  2:1-12.. 
Marli,  1:1-15.. 
John,  1:15-28. 
Matt.,  4:1-11.. 
Luke,  4:14-32. 
Matt.,  5 


4  "  

5  "  

6  "  

7  "  

8  "  

The  Lessons  for  the  Sundays  after  Christmas  are  intended  to  be  used  until  the 
9th  Sunday  before  Easter,  and  not  further. 


OLD  TEST. 

Isaiah,  2. . . 
Malachi,  3... 
Isaiah,  28:1-22 
32... 
"  9:1-7.. 
Deut,  10:12-22 
Isaiah, 


NEW  TEST. 

Romans,  10 

12 

"         14 

1  Corinth,  1 

John       1:1-14 


,    40... 

ICor. 

42... 

Heb., 

45... 

ICor. 

52:1-12. 

" 

55.. 

2  Cor. 

59  .. 

62... 

Galat. 

Coloss., 


II- 

SEASON  OF  THE  DEATH  AND  RESURRECTION  OF 
OUR  LORD. 

(EASTER.) 

The  Order  of  Lessons  for  the  Easter  Season  begins  with  the  9th  Sunday  before 
Easter.  Easter  Sunday,  corresponding  to  the  time  of  the  Jewish  Passover,  is 
the  Sunday  next  after  the  full  moon  that  follows  the  21  st  of  March;  and  if  the 
full  moon  happen  on  a  Sunday,  it  is  the  Sunday  after.  Ascension  Day  is  forty 
days  after  Easter. 

(7) 


9  Sunday  before  Easter 


Good  Friday 

Easteb 

1  Sunday  after  Easter. 

2  •'    


MORNING. 


OLD  TEST. 

Jerem.,  5... 
25... 
Lam.,  1... 
Jerem.,  7... 
Ezek.,  14... 
"  20:1-26. 
Micah,  6  . . 
Haggai,  2:1-9 
Dan.,  9:4-27.. 
Gen.,  22:1-19. 
Exodl2:l-36.. 

Isaiah,  43 

Hosea,  13.... 
Joel.  8:1-8.. 
Micah,  6... 
Zech.,     ' 


Ascension (Deut.,  10 


NEW  TEST. 

Matt.,  7.... 
Luke,  7:1-18.. 
Mark,  6:1-29.. 
Matt.  10.... 
Luke,  10:1-24. 
Mark,  9:1-29.. 
Luke,  19:1-27. 
21.... 
"  19:29-48. 
John,    19.... 


Acts, 


1... 

3  .. 

5:17-42. 


8:14-40.. 
Luke,  24:44-53 


OLD  TEST. 

Jerem,  22... 

"  36  .. 
Lam,  3:1-36. 
Jerem.,  9... 
Ezek..   18  .. 

'  20:27-49 
Habakk,  3  . . 
Zech.  13. . . , 
Malachi,  4.... 
Isaiah",  58..., 
25  . . . 
48.... 

Hosea  14 

Micah,    4 

Nahum,  1 

Zech.,  10.... 
2  Kings,  2.... 


NEW  TEST. 

Ephesians,  1 
2 
3 
4 


Philippians,  1 
3 

Hebrews,  5 
Philippians,  2 
Romans,  6 
1  Cor.,  15:1-28 
Colossians,  1 


1  Thess. 
Eph., 


4:1-6 


III. 
SEASON  OF  THE  MISSION  OF  THE  HOLY  COMFORTER. 

(PENTECOST  OR  WHITSUNTIDE.) 
The  Order  of  Lessons  for  the  Season  of  Pentecost  begins  with  the  Sunday  be- 
fore Pentecost.    Pentecost,  or  Whitsuntide,  is  the  seventh  Sunday  after  Easter. 


MORNING. 


1  Sund.  bef'e  Pentecost 

Pentecost  

I'entecost  1  Sund.  afte 

2   

3   

"  4   

"  5     


27 


OLD  TEST. 
Joel,  2... 

Deut.,  16:1  17 
Genesis,  1... 

3:.. 

"     9:1-19. 

87... 

"       43... 

"       49... 

Exodus    3... 

9... 

"        14... 

Numb.,  16... 


Deut., 


23 
4:1-40. 


Joshua,  23. . . 

Judges,    4... 

ISam.,   12... 

Sam.,   12... 

1  Klngs,8:l  21 
"        17... 

2  Kings,  5... 
Daniel,  6... 
Proverbs.l . . . 

3... 
"  11... 
"  13... 
"       15... 


NEAV   TEST. 

John,  17... 
Acts,  2:1-36.. 
Matt.,  3:10-17 
Acts,  9:1-31.. 

10.... 
"        11.... 

14.... 

15.... 

17.... 


Zeph. 
Isaiah, 


OLD  TEST. 

3.. 

,  11.. 

Genesis,  2.. 


15.. 
42.., 
45.. 
50... 
5... 
10  .. 
15... 


Acts,       4:1-31 
1  John,     5 

1  Tim.,      6 

2  Tim.,      2 


Exodus, 


Matt., 


Mark, 
Luke, 


John, 


18. 
20. 
23. 
25.. 
4. 
13.. 
13 
15., 
20.. 

8  . 
7.. 
8.. 

9  , 
10.. 
11.. 
15.. 
16.. 


Numb.,  22. 

24. 

5., 

7.. 


Deut., 


NEW   TEST. 


Titus, 
Hebrews. 


James, 


34. 
Joshua,  24. 
Judges,    5. 

1  Sam'l,  17. 

2  Sam'l,  19. 

1  K'gs,  8:22-.53  2  Peter 
18. 

2  Kings,  19. 
Daniel,  7. 
Prov.        2. 

8. 

12. 

14. 

"  16. 


1  Peter, 


1  John, 


Jude, 
Rev. 


22 


The  Lessons  for  the  Sundays  after  Pentecost  are  to  be  used  until  the  fourth 
Sunday  before  Christmas,  and  no  further. 


ORDER   OF    PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 


I. 

INVOCATION. 

After  a  space  for  private  devotion,  the  Minister  shall  introduce  the  public  wor- 
ship by  invoking  the  Divine  presence  and  blessing:  The  people  uniting 
audibly  in  the  Lord's  Prayer  and  in  the  Amen  at  the  close  of  every  prayer 
in  the  public  worship. 

Almighty  God,  unto  whom  all  hearts  are  open, 
all  desires  known,  and  froni  whom  no  secrets  are 
hid  ;  cleanse  the  thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  the  in- 
spiration of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that,  we  may  per- 
fectly love  Thee  and  worthily  magnify  Thy  Holy 
Name  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  :  Who  hath 
taught  us  when  we  pray  to  say  : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven.  Hallow- 
ed BE  Thy  Name:  Thy  kingdom  come:  Thy 
will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven: 
Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  for- 

I*  (9) 


lO 


GIVE  US  OUR. DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS: 

And  LEAD  US  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
US  from  EVIL:  For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.    Amen. 


II. 

SALUTATION. 

The  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ 
Jesus.    Amen. 

Or  this : 

Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace  from  God  our  Fa- 
ther and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Or  this : 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you 
ail.    Amen. 

Or  this : 


The  Lord  be  with  you. 
People.  And  with  thy  spirit. 


III. 
READING    OF    SCRIPTURE. 

I. — The  Ten  Commandments. 

Hear  the  law  of  God  as  it  is  written  in  the  20th  cha'pter  of  the  Book  of  Exodus. 

God  spake  all  these  words,  saying,  I  am  the  Lord 


II 

thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of  bondage. 

I. 
Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  Me. 

II. 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image, 
or  any  likeness  of  anything  that  is  in  heaven  above, 
or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  wa- 
ter under  the  earth  :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thy- 
self to  them,  nor  serve  them  :  for  I  the  Lord  thy 
God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth 
generation  of  them  that  hate  Me  ;  and  showing 
mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  Me,  and 
keep  My  commandments. 

III. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  Name  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  in  vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guilt- 
less that  taketh  His  Name  iii  vain. 

IV. 

Remember  the  Sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six 
days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work  :  but  the 
seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in 
it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor 
thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-serv- 
ant, nor  thy  cattle,  nor  the  stranger  that  is  within 
th}^  gates:  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven 
and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rest- 


12 

ed,  the  seventh  day  :  wherefore,  the  Lord  blessed 
the  Sabbath-day,  and  hallowed  it. 

V. 
Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother  :  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee. 

VI. 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII. 

Thou  shalt  not  commit -adultery. 

VIII. 

Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX. 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

X. 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou 
shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man- 
servant, nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his 
ass,  nor  anything  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 

Hear  also  what  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  saith.  ,  • 

(St.  Matthew  xxii.  37-40.) 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 
This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And 
the  second  is  hke  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two  commandments 
hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets. 


13 


Then  may  be  sung  the  following  response  : 


Lord  have  mercy  upon  us,  and  write  all  these 
Thy  laws  in  our  hearts,  we  beseech  Thee.     Amen. 

Or  this :  II* 

Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet ; 
And  a  light  unto  my  path. 
How  sweet  are  Thy  words  unto  my  taste  ; 
Yea,  sweeter  than  honey  to  my  mouth. 
Give  me  understanding,  and   I  will  keep  Thy 
law. 

For  therein  do  I  dehght,  O  Lord  my  God. 

Amen. 
LESSON. 
IL— From  the  Old  Testament. 

LESSON. 

in. — From  the  New  Testament. 

After  either  or  both  of  which  may  be  sung  a  Gloria  or  any  suitable  Chant. 

IV. 

SINGING. 


PRAYER. 

Which  will  ordinarily  be  free.  But  if  desirable,  the  following  Litany,  which  is 
a  literal  translation  from  the  Eeformer  Bucer's  "  Reformation  of  Doctrine 
and  Worship,"  may  be  used :  The  People  repeating  audibly  the  responses, 
which  are  printed  in  small  capitals. 


^4 

THE   LITANY. 

O  God  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy 
upon  us. 

O  God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  world,  have 
have  mercy  upon  us. 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,    Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Be  merciful  unto  us,  and  spare  us,  O  Lord. 

Be  merciful  unto  us,  and  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

From  all  sin,  from  all  error,  from  all  evil,  from 
the  wiles  of  the  devil,  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

From  dying  suddenly  and  unprepared  ;  from 
pestilence  and  famine,  from  war  and  slaughter, 
from  sedition  and  conspiracy,  from  lightning  and 
tempest,  from  everlasting  death,  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

By  the  mystery  of  Thy  holy  Incarnation,  by  Thy 
holy  Nativity,  by  Thy  Baptism,  Fasting,  and  Temp- 
tations, deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

By  Thine  Agony  and  bloody  Sweat,  by  Thy 
Cross  and  Passion,  by  Thy  Death  and  Burial,  by 
Thy  Resurrection  and  Ascension,  by  the  coming  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  the  Comforter,  deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

In  all  time  of  our  tribulation,  in  all  time  of  our 
felicity,  in  the  hour  of  death,  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment. Deliver  us,  O  Lord. 

We  sinners  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us  : 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  rule^and  govern  Thy 
Holy  Church  Universal, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  preserve  in  sound- 
ness of  word  and  holiness  of  life,  all  pastors  and 
ministers  of  Thy  Church. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  remove  all  sects  and 
scandals. 


15 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bring  back  into  the  way 
of  truth  all  such  as  wander  and  have  been  led  astray. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  crush  Satan  under 
our  feet. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  send  forth  faithful 
laborers  into  Thy  harvest. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  the  increase  of 
Thy  Word  and  the  fruit  of  Thy  Spirit  unto  all  that 
hear. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  raise  the  fallen,  and 
strengthen  those  that  star\d. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  console  the  weak- 
hearted,  and  succor  the  tempted. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  give  peace  and  con- 
cord unto  all  rulers  and  governors. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  guide  and  protect 
our  Chief  Magistrate,  with  all  his  counsellors. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bless  and  preserve 
our  people,  and  all  in  authority  among  us. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  look  upon  the  afflict- 
ed, and  those  that  are  in  danger ;  and  to  comfort 
them. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  succor  all  women  in 
the  perils  of  child-birth. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  cherish  and  protect 
young  children  and  sick  persons. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  defend  and  suitably 
provide  for  the  orphans  and  widows. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  freedom  unto 
captives. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  have  mercy  upon  all 
men. 


i6 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  forgive  our  enemies, 
persecutors,  and  slanderers,  and  to  convert  them. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  give  and  preserve 
the  fruits  of  the  earth. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  all  these  our 
requests. 

We  beseech  Thee  to'  hear  us. 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sin  of  the 
world,  Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sin  of  the 
world,  Grant  us  thy  peace. 

Lord,  deal  not  with  us  after  our  sins,  neither 
reward  us  according  to  our  iniquities. 

O  God,  Merciful  Father,  who  despisest  not  the 
groans  of  the  contrite,  nor  rejectest  the  desire  of 
the  sorrowful :  be  favorable  to  our  prayers,  which, 
in  our  afflictions  that  continually  oppress  us,  we 
pour  out  before  Thee  ;  and  graciously  hear  them  ; 
that  those  things  which  the  craft  of  the  devil  or  of 
man  worketh  against  us,  may  be  brought  to  naught, 
and  by  the  counsel  of  Thy  goodness  be  scattered  ; 
that  being  hurt  by  no  persecutions,  we  may  ever 
give  thanks  unto  Thee  in  Thy  holy  Church :  through 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 

O  God,  from  whom  all  hoi}/  desires,  all  good 
counsels,  and  all  just  works  proceed  :  Give  unto 
Thy  servants  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot 
give  ;  that  both  our  hearts  may  be  set  to  obey  Thy 
commandments,  and  also  that  we,  being  defended 
from  the  fear  of  our  enemies,  may  by  Thy  protec- 
tion pass  our  time  in  rest  and  quietness  :  Through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


1/ 

VI. 

SINGING. 

VII. 
SERMON. 

VIII. 
THANK-OFFERING    OF    ALMS. 

IX. 

SINGING, 
WithDoxology. 

X. 

PRAYER. 

If  desirable,  in  tlie  use  of  any  of  tlie  following : 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God,  that 
the  words  which  we  have  heard  this  day  with  our 
outward  ears,  ma}^,  through  Thy  grace,  be  so  graft- 
ed inwardly  in  our  hearts,  that  they  may  bring 
forth  in  us  the  fruit  of  good  living  ;  to  the  honor 
and  praise  of  Thy  Name  :  Through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 

O  God,  Holy  Ghost,  Sanctifier  of  the  Faithful, 
visit,  we  pray  Thee,  this  congregation  with  Thy 


i8 

love  and  favor  ;  enlighten  their  minds  more  and 
more  with  the  light  of  the  everlasting  Gospel ; 
graft  in  their  hearts  a  love  of  the  truth  ;  increase 
in  them  true  religion  ;  nourish  them  with  all  good- 
ness ;  and  of  Thy  great  mercy  keep  them  in  the 
same,  O  Blessed  Spirit:  Whom,  with  the  Father 
and  the  Son,  together,  we  worship  and  glorify  as 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

O  Almighty  God!  who  alone  canst  order  the 
unruly  wills  and  affections  of  sinful  men  :  Grant 
unto  us  Thy  people,  that  we  may  love  the  things 
which  Thou  commandest,  and  desire  that  which 
Thou  dost  promise  ;  that  so,  among  the  sundry  and 
manifold  changes  of  the  world,  our  hearts  may 
surely  there  be  fixed,  where  true  joys  are  to  be 
found  :  Through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  grace  at  this 
time  with  one  accord  to  make  our  common  suppli- 
'  cations  unto  Thee,  and  dost  promise  that  when  two 
or  three  are  gathered  together  in  Thy  Name,  Thou 
wilt  grant  their  requests  :  Fulfil  now,  O  Lord,  the 
desires  and  petitions  of  thy  servants,  as  may  be 
most  expedient  for  them  ;  granting  us  in  this  world 
knowledge  of  Thy  truth,  and  in  the  world  to  come 
life  everlasting.    Amen. 

XI. 

BENEDICTION. 


ORDER  OF  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 


I. 

INVOCATION. 

After  a  space  for  private  devotion,  the  Minister  shall  introduce  the  public  wor- 
ship  by  invoking  the  Divine  presence  and  blessing  :  The  people  uniting 
audibly  in  the  Lord's  Prayer  and  in  the  Amen  at  the  close  of  every  prayer 
in  the  public  worship. 

Direct  us,  O  Lord,  in  all  our  doings,  with  Thy 
most  gracious  favor,  and  further  us  with  Thy  con- 
tinual help  ;  that  in  all  our  works,  begun,  continued, 
and  ended  in  Thee,  we  may  glorify  Thy  holy  Name  ; 
and,  finally,  by  Thy  mercy,  obtain  everlasting  life  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Who  hath  taught 
us  to  pray  after  this  manner : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallow- 
ed  BE  Thy  Name:   Thy   kingdom   come:  Thy 

WILL    BE     done    on   EARTH  AS   IT  IS   IN   HEAVEN: 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread:  and  for- 

(19) 


20 


GIVE  US  OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS  : 
AND  LEAD  US  NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER 
US  FROM  EVIL :  FOR  ThINE  IS  THE  KINGDOM,  AND 
THE   POWER,   AND    THE   GLORY,   FOR   EVER.      AmEN. 


II. 

SALUTATION. 

The  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing, keep  your  hearts  and  minds,  through  Christ 
Jesus.    Amen. 

Or  this : 

Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace  from  God  our  Fa- 
ther and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Or  this : 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 
People.  And  with  thy  spirit. 

III. 
SCRIPTURE    LESSONS. 

I.— From  the  Old  Testament. 
II. — From  the  New  Testament. 

After  either  or  both  of  which  may  he  sung  a  Gloria,  or  any  other  suitable  chant. 

IV. 

SINGING. 


21 
V. 

THE    APOSTLES'    CREED. 

The  People  standing  and  repeating  audibly  with  the  Minister. 

I  BELIEVE  IN  God  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth. 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  only  Son,  our  Lord  ; 
who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost;  born 
OF  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius 
Pilate  ;  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried  ;  He 
descended  into  hell  :  The  third  day  He  rose 

AGAIN  FROM  THE  DEAD  ;    He   ASCENDED    INTO  HEA- 
VEN, AND    SITTETH  AT   THE    RIGHT   HAND    OF   GOD 

THE  Father  Almighty  :  From  thence  he  shall 

COME    TO    JUDGE    THE    QUICK    AND    THE    DEAD. 

I    BELIEVE    IN    THE    HOLY    GHOST  ;     THE    HOLY 

Catholic  Church,  tpie  communion  of  Saints  ; 

THE  forgiveness   OF  SINS  ;    THE  RESURRECTION  OF 
THE   BODY;   AND   THE   LIFE   EVERLASTING.       AmEN. 

VI. 

PRAYER. 

Which  will  ordinarily  be  free,  but  if  desirable,  the  Litany  may  at  any  time  be 
used  as  in  the  Morning  Service. 

VII. 
SINGING. 

VIII. 

SERMON. 


22 
IX. 

THANK-OFFERING    OF    ALMS. 

X. 

SINGING,  WITH     DOXOLOGY. 

XI. 

PRAYER. 

If  desirable,  in  tlie  use  of  either  of  the  following  : 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God,  that 
the  words  which  we  have  heard  this  day  with  our 
outward  ears,  may,  through  Thy  grace,  be  so  graft- 
ed inwardly  in  our  hearts,  that  they  ma}^  bring 
forth  in  us  the  fruit  of  good  living  ;  to  the  honor 
and  praise  of  Thy  Name  :  Through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 

O  God,  Holy  Ghost,  Sanctifier  of  the  Faithful, 
visit,  we  pray  Thee,  this  congregation  with  Thy 
love  and  favor ;  enlighten  their  minds  more  and 
more  with  the  light  of  the  everlasting  Gospel ; 
graft  in  their  hearts  a  love  of  the  truth  ;  increase 
in  them  true  religion  ;  nourish  them  with  all  good- 
ness ;  and  of  Thy  great  mercy  keep  them  in  the 
same,  O  Blessed  Spirit :  Whom,  with  the  Father 
and  the  Son,  together,  we  worship  and  glorify  as 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

XII. 

BENEDICTION. 


THE   SACRAMENTS. 


III. 


8te  #lfkie  tm  Hit  ^immUimti$u  0f  i:0l|| 

The  principal  parts  of  the  doctrine  of  Holy  Bap- 
ism  are  these  three  : 

First.  That  we  with  our  children  are  conceived 
and  born  in  sin,  and  therefore 

[are  children  of  wrath,  in- 
somuch that  we] 

cannot  enter  into  the  Kingdom  of 
God,  except  we  are  born  again. 

[This,  the  dipping 
in  or  sprinkling  with  water  teaches  us,  whereby  the  impurity 
of  our  souls  is  signified,  and  we  are  admonished  to  •  loathe  and 
humble  ourselves  before  God,  and  seek  for  our  purification  and 
salvation  without  ourselves.] 

Secondly.  Holy  Baptism  witnesseth  and  sealeth 
unto  us  the  washing  away  of  our  sins,  through  Jesus 
Christ.  Therefore  we  are  baptized  in  the  NAME 
OF  THE  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

[For  when  we  are  baptized  in  the  name  ot 
the  Father,  God  the  Father  witnesseth  and  sealeth  unto  us, 
that  He  doth  make  an  eternal  covenant  of  grace  with  us,  and 
adopts  us  for  His  children  and  heirs,  and  therefore  will  pro- 
vide us  with  every  good  thing,  and  avert  all  evil  or  turn  it 
to  our  profit.     And  when  we  are  baptized  in  the  name  of  the 

*The  abbreviatioES  in  this  Office  may  be  used  at  tlie  option  of  the  Minister. 

(23) 


24 

Son,  the  Son  sealeth  unto  us  that  He  doth  wash  us  in  His  blood 
from  all  our  sins,  incorporating  us  into  the  fellowship  of  His 
death  and  resurrection,  so  that  we  are  freed  from  all  our  sins 
and  accounted  righteous  before  God.  In  like  manner,  when  we 
are  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Holy  Ghost 
assures  us,  by  this  Holy  Sacrament,  that  He  will  dwell  in  us,  and 
sanctify  us  to  be  members  of  Christ,  applying  unto  us  that  which 
we  have  in  Christ,  namely,  the  washing  away  of  our  sins  and 
the  daily  renewing  of  our  Hves,  till  we  shall  finally  be  presented 
without  spot  or  wrinkle  among  the  assembly  of  the  elect  in  life 
eternal.] 

Thirdly.  Whereas  in  all  covenants  there  are 
contained  two  parts,  therefore  are  we  by  God, 
through  Baptism,  admonished  of,  and  obliged  unto 
new  obedience,  namely,  that  we  cleave  to  this  One 
God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost ;  that  we  trust 
in  Him  and  love  Him  with  all  our  heart,  with  all 
our  soul,  with  all  our  mind,  and  with  all  our 
strength  ;  that  we  forsake  the  world,  crucify  our 
old  nature,  and  walk  in  a  new  and  holy  life. 

And  if  we  sometimes,  through  weakness,  fall  into 
sin,  we  must  not  therefore  despair  of  God's  mercy, 
nor  continue  in  sin,  since  Baptism  is  a  seal  and 
undoubted  testimony  that  we  have  an  eternal  cove- 
nant of  grace  with  God. 


TO   INFANTS   OF  BELIEVERS. 

And  although  our  young  children  do  not  under- 
stand these  things,  w^e  may  not  therefore  exclude 
them  from  Baptism  ;  for  as  they  are,  without  their 
knowledge,  partakers  of  the  condemnation  in  Adam, 
so  are  they  again  received  unto  grace  in  Christ ; 


as  God  speaketh  unto  Abraham,  the  father  of  all 
the  faithful,  and  therefore  unto  us  and  our  children, 
(Gen.  17:  7,)  saying:  "  I  will  establish  My  covenant 
between  Me  and  thee,  and  thy  seed  after  thee,  in 
their  generations,  for  an  everlasting  covenant ;  to 
be  a  God  unto  thee,  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee." 
This  also  the  Apostle  Peter  testifieth,  with  these 
words,  (Acts  2  :  39  :)  ''  For  the  promise  is  unto  you, 
and  to  your  childrien,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off, 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call."  There- 
fore God  formerly  commanded  them  to  be  circum- 
cised, which  w^as  a  seal  of  the  Covenant,  and  of  the 
righteousness  of  faith  ;  and  therefore  Christ  also 
embraced  them,  laid  His  hands  upon  them  and 
blessed  them.     (Mark  10:  16.) 

Since  then  Baptism  is  come  in  the  place  of  cir- 
cumcision, infants  are  to  be  baptized  as  heirs  of  the 
Kingdom  of  God  and  of  His  Covenant.  And 
parents  are  in  duty  bound,  further  to  instruct  their 
children  herein,  when  they  shall  arrive  at  years  of 
discretion. 

That  therefore  this  Holy  Ordinance  of  God  may 
be  administered  to  His  glory,  to  our  comfort,  and 
to  the  edification  of  His  Church,  let  us  call  upon 
His  holy  Name. 

PRAYER. 

O  Almighty  and  Eternal  God,  we  beseech  Thee 
that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  of  Thine  infinite  mercy, 
graciously  to  look  upon  these  children^  and  incorpor- 
ate them  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit  into  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  that  they  may  be  buried  with  Him  into 
His  death  and  be  raised  with  Him  in  newness 
.2 


26 

of  life  ;  that  they  may  daily  follow  Him,  joyfully 
bearing  their  cross,  and  cleave  unto  Him  in 
true  faith,  firm  hope,  and  ardent  love  ;  that  they 
may,  with  a  comfortable  sense  of  Thy  favor,  leave 
this  life,  which  is  nothing  but  a  continual  death, 
and  at  the  last  day,  may  appear  without  terror  be- 
fore the  judgment-seat  of  Christ  Thy  Son,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  with  Thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  One  Only  God,  lives  and  reigns  forever. 
Amen. 

an  exhortation  to  the  parents,  and  those 
v^ho  come  with  them  to  baptism. 

Beloved  in  the-  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  you  have 
heard  that  Baptism  is  an  Ordinance  of  God,  to  seal 
unto  us  and  to  our  seed  His  Covenant.  Therefore 
it  must  be  used  for  that  end,  and  not  out  of  custom 
or  superstition.  That  it  may  then  be  manifest  that 
you  are  thus  minded,  you  are  to  answer  sincerely 
to  these  questions : 

First,  Do  you  acknowledge,  that  although  our 
children  are  conceived  and  born  in  sin,  and  there- 
fore are  subject  to  all  miseries,  yea,  to  condemna- 
tion itself;  yet  that  they  are  sanctified*  in  Christ, 
and  therefore,  as  members  of  His  Church,  ought  to 
be  baptized  ? 

Secondly.  Do  you  acknowledge  the  doctrine 
which  is  contained  in  the  Old  and  New  Testament, 
and  in  the  Articles  of  the  Christian  faith,  and  which 
is  taught  here  in  this  Christian  Church,  to  be  the 
true  and  perfectf  doctrine  of  salvation  ? 

*  *'  My  children  :"  Ezek.  16  :  21.      "  They  are  holy :"  1  Cor.  7 :  14. 
t  Butch  :  Volkomene— complete. 


27 

Thirdly.  Do  you  promise  and  intend  to  see  these 
children^  when  come  to  the  years  of  discretion,  in- 
structed and  brought  up  in  the  aforesaid  doctrine, 
or  to  help  or  cause  them  to  be  instructed  therein, 
to  the  utmost  of  your  power? 

Answer.  Yes. 

Then  the  Minister  of  God's  Word,  in  baptizing,  shall  say : 

,  I  baptize  thee,  in  the  name  of  the  Fa- 
ther, and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Amen. 

THANKSGIVING. 

Almighty  God  and  Merciful  Father,  we  thank 
and  praise  Thee,  that  Thou  hast  forgiven  us,  and 
our  children,  all  our  sins,  through  the  blood  of  Thy 
Beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  received  us  through 
Thy  Holy  Spirit,  as  members  of  Thy  Only  Begot- 
ten Son,  and  adopted  us  to  be  Thy  children,  and 
sealed  and  confirmed  the  same  unto  us  by  Holy 
Baptism.  We  beseech  Thee,  through  the  same  Son 
of  Thy  love,  that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased  always  to 
govern  these  baptized  children  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit ; 
that  they  may  be  piously  and  religiously  educated, 
increase  and  grow  up  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 
that  they  then  may  acknowledge  Thy  Fatherly  good- 
ness and  mercy,  which  Thou  hast  shown  to  them 
and  us  ;  and  live  in  all  righteousness,  under  our 
only  Teacher,  King,  and  High-Priest,  Jesus  Christ ; 
and  manfully  fight  against  and  overcome  sin,  the 
devil,  and  his  whole  dominion,  to  the  end  that  they 
may  eternally  praise  and  magnify  Thee,  and  Thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  together  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
the  One  Only  True  God.     Amen. 


28 


II. 


TO  ADULT  PERSONS. 

However,  children  of  Christian  parents,  although 
they  understand  not  this  mystery,  must  be  baptized, 
by  virtue  of  the  Covenant ;  yet  it  is  not  lawful  to 
baptize  those  who  have  come  to  years  of  discre- 
tion, except  they  first  be  sensible  of  their  sins,  and 
make  confession  both  of  their  repentance  and  their 
faith  in  Christ.     For  this  cause 

[not  only  did  John  the 
Baptist  preach,  according  to  the  command  of  God,  the  baptism 
of  repentance,  and  baptize  for  the  remission  of  sin,  those  who 
confessed  their  sins,  (Mark  1:4;)  but] 

our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
[also]  commanded  His  disciples  to  teach  all  nations, 
and  then  to  baptize  them,  in  the  name  of  the  Fa- 
ther, and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  add- 
ing this  promise  :  *'  He  that  believeth  and  is  bap- 
tized shall  be  saved.*'  According  to  which  rule 
the  Apostles  [Acts  2,  10,  16]  baptized  none  who  were 
of  years  of  discretion,  but  such  as  made  confession 
of  their  faith  and  repentance.  Therefore  it  is  not 
lawful  now  to  baptize  any  other  adult  persons,  than 
such  as  have  been  taught  the  mysteries  of  Holy  Bap- 
tism by  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  are  able 
to  give  an  account  of  their  faith  by  the  confession 
of  the  mouth. 

Since  therefore  you,  — : ,  are  also  desirous 

of  Holy  Baptism,  to  the  end  it  may  be  to  you  a  seal 
of  your  engrafting  into  the  Church  of  God  ;  that  it 


29 

ma}''   appear  that  you  do  not  only  receive  the  Chris- 
tian religion, 

[in  which  you  have  been  privately  instructed  by 
us,  and  of  which  also  you  have  made  confession  before  us,] 

but 
that  you,  through  the  grace  of  God,  intend  and 
purpose  to  lead  a  life  according  to  the  same  ;  you 
are  sincerely  to  give  answer  before  God  and  His 
Church  : 

First.  Dost  thou  believe  in  the  Only  True  God, 
distinct  in  three  persons.  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost,  Who  hath  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  all 
that  in  them  is,  of  nothing,  and  still  maintains 
and  governs  them,  ins'omuch  that  nothing  comes  to 
pass,  either  in  heaven  or  on  earth,  without  His 
divine  will? 

Answer,  Yes. 

Secofidly.  Dost  thou  believe  that  thou  art  con- 
ceived and  born  in  sin,  and  therefore  art  a  child  of 
wrath  by  nature, 

[wholly  incapable  of  doing  any  good  and 
prone  to  all  evil ;] 

and   that  thou  hast  frequently,  both 
in  thought,  word,  and  deed,  transgressed  the  com- 
mandments   of  the   Lord ;    and  art  thou    heartily 
sorry  for  these  sins  ? 
Answer.  Yes. 

Thirdly.  Dost  thou  believe  that  Christ,  who  is 
the  True  and  Eternal  God,  and  Very  Man, 

[who  took 
His  human  nature  on  Him  out  of  the  flesh  and  blood  of  the  Virgin 
Mary,] 

is  given  thee  of  God,  to  be  thy  Saviour ;  and 


30 

that  thou  dost  receive,  by  this  faith,  remission  of 
sins  in  His  blood ;  and  that  thou  art  made,  by  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  a  member  of  Jesus  Christ 
and  of  His  Church  ? 

Answer.  Yes. 

Fourthly.  Dost  thou  assent  to  all  the  Articles  of 
the  Christian  religion,  as  they  are  taught  here  in 
this  Christian  Church,  according  to  the  Word  of 
God  ;  and  purpose  steadfastly  to  continue  in  the 
same  doctrine  to  the  end  of  thy  life  ;  and  also  dost 
thou  reject  all  heresies  and  schisms,  repugnant  to 
this  doctrine,  and  promise  to  persevere  in  the  com- 
munion of  our  Christian  Church,  not  only  in  the 
hearing  of  the  Word,  but  also  in  the  use  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  ? 

Answer.  Yes. 

Fifthly.  Hast  thou  taken  a  firm  resolution  always 
to  lead  a  Christian  life  ;  to  forsake  the  world  and 
its  evil  lusts,  as  is  becoming  the  members  of  Christ 
and  His  Church  ;  and  to  submit  thyself  to  all  Chris- 
tian admonitions  ? 

Answer.  Yes. 

The  Good  and  Great  God  mercifully  grant  His 
grace  and  blessing  to  this  thy  purpose,  through 
Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

Then  the  Minister  of  God's  Word,  in  baptizing,  shall  say  : 

,   I   baptize   thee,  in   the   name   of  the 

Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 

thanksgiving. 

Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  we  give 
Thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  that  Thou 


31 

hast  called  us  to  the  knowledge  of  Thy  grace,  and 
unto  the  faith  of  Thy  Son,  and  unto  the  Covenant 
of  salvation,  wherein  we  are  sealed  by  Holy  Bap- 
tism. Give  Thy  Holy  Spirit  to  these  Thy  servants, 
that,  being  born  again  and  made  heirs  of  God,  they 
may  keep  themselves  in  Thy  love,  and  receive  the 
fulfilment  of  Thy  promises  ;  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  Who,  with  Thee,  O  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  One  Only  True  God,  liveth  and  reigneth, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 


IV. 

Vkm  wM  tam  Urn  ^u0M  in  Muium^. 


The  Candidates  shall  stand  before  the  Minister.  While  they  are  coming  for- 
ward, an  appropriate  hymn  may  he  sung. 

Then  the  Minister  will  say : 

Dearly  Beloved  in  Christ.  As  children  of  your 
Heavenly  Father  you  stand  here  for  the  deliberate 
and  public  ratification  in  your  own  persons  of  that 
Covenant  of  God  of  which  your  Baptism  is  the  seal. 
You  have  already  been  duly  instructed,  and  have 
made  confession  before  us  of  your  faith  in  the  Bles- 
sed Saviour.  And  now  in  this  most  solemn  manner, 
before  God  and  His  Church,  you  are  to  repeat  and 
renew  that  confession. 

I  ask  each  one  of  you,  then  : 

First.  Dost  thou  believe  in  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty, Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ? 

Anszver.  I  do. 

Secondly.  Dost  thou  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  His 
only  Son,  our  Lord,  who  was   conceived   by  the 

Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin    Mary,  suffered 

(32) 


33 

under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and 
buried  ;  He  descended  into  hell ;  the  third  day  He 
rose  again  from  the  dead  ;  He  ascended  into  heaven, 
and  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father 
Almighty  ;  from  thence  He  shall  come  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead  ? 

Answer,    I  do. 

Thirdly.  Dost  thou  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
the  Holy  Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  saints; 
the  forgiveness  of  sins;  the  resurrection  of  the 
body;  and  the  life  everlasting? 

Answer.    I  do. 

Fourthly.  Dost  thou  purpose  steadfastly  to  con- 
tinue to  the  end  of  thy  life  in  the  truth  affirmed  in 
these  Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith  as  they  are 
teught  here  in  this  Church,  according  to  the  Word 
of  God,  rejecting  all  heresies  and  schisms  repug- 
nant thereto  ? 

Answer.    I  do. 

Fifthly.  Dost  thou  promise  to  persevere  in  the 
communion  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  in  the 
diligent  use  of  all  the  means  of  grace,  especially  in 
the  hearing  of  the  Word  and  the  use  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  to  seek  the  things  that  make  for  purity  and 
peace,  and  to  submit  thyself  to  all  Christian  care 
and  admonition  ? 

Answer.  I  do. 

Then  the  Minister  will  say  : 

Since,  then,  thou  hast  witnessed  this  good  confes- 
sion ;  in  the  name  of  the  Church  and  of  Jesus 
Christ  her  Lord  and  Head,  I  do  now  welcome  thee 
to  full  communion  with  the  People  of  God. 


-    34 

[The  following,  or  some  other  appropriate  blessing,  will  then  be  used,  given  to 
each  one  separately,  or  to  all  together,  as  the  Minister  may  choose.] 

The  mountains  shall  depart  and  the  hills  be  re- 
moved ;  but  My  kindness  shall  not  depart  from 
thee,  neither  shall  the  covenant  of  My  peace  be  re- 
moved, saith  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 

The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee ! 

The  Lord  make  His  face  shine  upon  thee  and  be 
gracious  unto  thee ! 

The  Lord  lift  up  His  countenance  upon  thee 
and  give  thee  peace !    Amen. 

[The  Minister  will  then  offer  the  following  Thanksgiving.] 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  we  thank  and 
praise  Thee  that  Thou  hast  vouchsafed  unto  t/iese 
Thy  servants,  power  and  grace,  to  own  and  accept 
for  themselves  Thy  holy  covenant,  sealed  and  con- 
firmed to  them  in  their  baptism.  Strengthen  them 
we  beseech  Thee  with  the  Holy  Ghost  the  Com- 
forter. Increase  in  them  daily  Thy  manifold  gifts 
of  grace ;  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding, 
the  spirit  of  counsel  and  might,  the  spirit  of  know- 
ledge and  of  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  Keep  them  from 
the  evil  that  is  in  the  world.  Defend  them  from 
the  power  of  the  devil.  Enable  them  to  walk  in 
the  Spirit,  that  they  may  not  fulfil  the  lusts  of  the 
flesh ;  and  so  lead  them  in  the  knowledge  and  obe- 
dience of  Thy  Word  that  they  may  obtain  ever- 
lasting life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  Who, 
with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  liveth  and  reigneth, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


V. 


ilii   §Uiu   in   tUt   %immUimtlm   0I   tte 


Before  the  adBainistration  of  the  Holy  Communion  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  attend  to  the 
words  of  the  institution  of  the  Holy  Supper  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  they  are  delivered  by  the 
holy  Apostle  Paul,  i  Cor.  xi :  23-30. 

"  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which 
also  I  delivered  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the 
same  night  in  which  He  was  betrayed,  took  bread  ; 
and  when  He  had  given  thanks,  He  brake  it,  and 
said.  Take,  eat :  this  is  My  body,  which  is  broken 
for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  Me.  After 
the  same  manner,  also.  He  took  the  cup  when  He 
had  supped,  saying,  This  cup  is  the  new  testament 
in  My  blood :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  re- 
membrance of  Me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this 
bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord's 

*  This  first  part  of  the  Communion  Office,  being  of  its  nature  preparatory, 
may  at  the  discretion  of  the  Minister,  be  used  at  the  usual  service,  preparatoiy 
to  the  Communion.  The  use  of  the  abbreviations  in  this  Office  is  at  the  option 
of  the  Minister. 

(35) 


36 

death  till  He  come.  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord  un- 
worthily, shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood  of 
the  Lord.  But  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so 
let  him  eat  of  that  bread  and  drink  of  that  cup; 
for  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  eateth 
and  drinketh  damnation*  to  himself,  not  discerning 
the  Lord's  body." 

That  we  may  [now]  celebrate  the  Supper  of  the 
Lord  to  our  comfort,  it  is  above  all  things  neces- 
sary ; 

L  Rightly  to  examine  ourselves. 

n.  To  direct  the  Supper  to  that  end  for  which 
Christ  hath  ordained  and  instituted  the  same,  name- 
ly, to  His  remembrance. 

The  true  examination  of  ourselves  consists  of 
these  three  parts  : 

First.  That  every  one  consider  by  himself  his 
sins  and  the  curse  due  to  him  for  them,  to  the  end 
that  he  may  abhor  and  humble  himself  before  God  : 
considering  that  the  wrath  of  God  against  sin  is  so 
great,  that,  rather  than  it  should  go  unpunished. 
He  hath  punished  the  same  in  His  Beloved  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  with  the  bitter  and  shameful  death  of 
the  cross. 

Secondly.  That  every  one  examine  his  own  heart, 
whether  he  doth  believe  this  faithful  promise  of 
God,  that  all  his  sins  are  forgiven  him  only  for  the 
sake  of  the  passion  and  death  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and 
that  the  perfect  righteousness  of  Christ  is  imputed 
and  freely  given  him  as  his  own,  yea,  so  perfectly 

*  Greek,  Kpcfia — Dutch,  Oordeel.    Eng.,  judgment,  condemnation. 


17 

as  if  he  had  satisfied  in  his  own  person  for  all  his 
sins,  and  fulfilled  all  righteousness. 

Thirdly.  That  every  one  examine  his  own  con- 
science, whether  he  purposeth  henceforth  to  show 
true  thankfulness  to  God  in  his  whole  life,  and  to 
walk  uprightly  before  Him  ;  as  also,  whether  he 
hath  laid  aside  unfeignedly,  all  enmity,  hatred,  and 
envy,  and  doth  firmly  resolve  henceforth  to  walk  in 
true  love  and  peace  with  his  neighbor. 

All  those,  then,  who  are  thus  disposed,  God  will 
certainly  receive  in  mercy,  and  count  them  worthy 
partakers  of  the  table  of  His  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
On  the  contrary,,  those  who  do  not  feel  this  testi- 
mony in  their  hearts,  eat  and  drink  judgment  to 
themselves. 

Therefore,  we  also,  according  to  the  command  of 
Christ  and  the  Apostle  Paul,  admonish  all  those 
[who  are  defiled  with  the  following  sins] 

to  keep  themselves 
from  the  table  of  the  Lord, 

[and  declare  to  them  that  they 
have  no  part  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ ;  such  as  all  idolaters  ;  all 
those  who  invoke  deceased  saints,  angels,  or  other  creatures  ;  all 
those  who  worship  images  ;  all  enchanters,  diviners,  charmers, 
and  those  who  confide  in  such  enchantments ;  all  despisers  of 
God  and  His  Word,  and  of  the  Holy  Sacraments  ;  all  blasphem- 
ers ;  all  those  who  are  given  to  raise  discord,  sects,  and  mutiny, 
in  church  or  state  ;  all  perjured  persons  ;  all  those  who  are  dis- 
obedient to  their  parents  and  superiors  ;  all  murderers,  conten- 
tious persons,  and  those  who  live  in  hatred  and  envy  against 
their  neighbors  ;  all  adulterers,  whoremongers,  drunkards,  thieves, 
usurers,  robbers,  gamesters,  covetous  ;  and  all] 

who  lead  of- 
fensive lives. 


38 

All  these,  while  they  continue  in  such  sins,  shall 
abstain  from  this  meat,  which  Christ  hath  ordained 
only  for  the  faithful,  lest  their  judgment  and  con- 
demnation be  made  the  heavier. 

But  this  is  not  designed,  dearly  beloved  brethren 
and  sisters  in  the  Lord,  to  deject  the  contrite 
hearts  of  the  faithful,  as  if  none  might  come  to  the 
Supper  of  the  Lord,  but  those  who  are  without 
sin.  For  we  do  not  come  to  this  Supper  to  testify 
thereby  that  we  are  perfect  and  righteous  in  our- 
selves ;  but  on  the  contrary,  considering  that  we 
seek  our  life  out  of  ourselves,  in  Jesus  Christ,  we 
acknowledge  that  we  lie  in  the  midst  of  death. 
Therefore,  notwithstanding  we  feel  many  infirmities 
and  miseries  in  ourselves  ;  as  namely,  that  we  have 
not  perfect  faith,  and  that  we  do  not  give  ourselves 
to  serve  God  with  such  zeal  as  we  are  bound,  but 
have  daily  to  strive  with  the  weakness  of  our  faith, 
and  the  evil  lusts  of  our  flesh  ;  yet,  since  we  are, 
by  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  sorry  for  these 
weaknesses,  and  earnestly  desirous  to  fight  against 
our  unbelief,  and  to  live  according  to  all  the  com- 
mandments of  God,  therefore  we  rest  assured  that 
no  sin  or  infirmity,  which  still  remaineth,  against 
our  will,  in  us,  can  hinder  us  from  being  received 
of  God  in  merc}^  and  from  being  made  worthy 
partakers  of  this  heavenly  meat  and  drink. 


39 

II- 

At  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Communion,  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Let  us  now,  [also,]  consider  to  what  end  the 
Lord  hath  instituted  His  Supper,  namely,  that  we 
do  it  in  remembrance  of  Him.  Now,  after  this 
manner  are  we  to  remember  Him  by  it. 

I.  That  we  be  confidently  persuaded  in  our 
hearts,  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  the 
promises  made  to  our  forefathers  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, was  sent  of  the  Father  into  the  world  :  that 
He  assumed  our  flesh  and  blood  :  that  He  bore  for 
us  the  wrath  of  God,  under  which  we  should  have 
perished  everlastingly,  from  the  beginning  of  His 
incarnation  to  the  end  of  His  life  upon  earth  :  that 
He  fulfilled  for  us  all  obedience  to  the  divine  law, 
and  righteousness,  especially  when  the  weight  of 
our  sins  and  the  wrath  of  God  pressed  out  of  Him 
the  bloody  sweat  in  the  garden,  where  He  was 
bound  that  we  might  be  freed  from  our  sins :  that 
He  afterward  suffered  innumerable  reproaches, 
that  we  might  never  be  confounded  ;  that  He,  al- 
though innocent,  was  condemned  to  death,  that  we 
might  be  acquitted  at  the  judgment-seat  of  God: 
yea,  that  He  suffered  His  blessed  body  to  be  nailed 
on  the  cross,  that  He  might  affix  thereon  the  hand- 
writing of  our  sins :  that  He  also  took  upon  Him- 
self the  curse  due  to  us,  that  He  might  fill  us  with 
His  blessings :  that  He  humbled  Himself  unto  the 
deepest  reproach  and  pains  of  hell,  both  in  body 
and  soul,  on  the  tree  of  the  cross,  when  he  cried 
out  with  a  loud  voice,  My  God,  My  God!  why  hast 


40 

thou  forsaken  me  f  that  we  might  be  accepted  of 
God,  and  never  be  forsaken  of  Him  :  and  finally 
that  He  confirmed,  with  His  death  and  shedding  of 
His  blood,  the  new  and  eternal  testament,  that 
covenant  of  grace  and  reconciliation,  when  He 
said,  //  is  fiyiisTied. 

2.  And,  that  we  might  firmly  believe  that  we  be- 
long to  this  Covenant  of  Grace,  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  in  His  Last  Supper,  "  took  bread,  and  when 
He  had  given  thanks.  He  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to 
His  disciples,  and  said.  Take,  eat,  this  is  My  bod}'' 
w^hich  is  broken  for  you,  this  do  in  remembrance 
of  Me  :  in  like  manner  also,  after  supper,  He  took 
the  cup,  gave  thanks  and  said,  Drink  ye  all  of  it ; 
this  cup  is  the  new  testament  in  My  blood,  which 
is  shed  for  you  and  for  many,  for  the  remission  of 
sins  ;  this  do  ye,  as  often  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remem- 
brance of  Me."  That  is,  as  often  as  ye  eat  of  this 
bread,  and  drink  of  this  cup,  you  shall  thereby,  as 
by  a  sure  remembrance  and  pledge,  be  admonished 
and  assured  of  this  My  hearty  love  and  faithfulness 
toward  you  :  that  whereas  you  should  otherwise 
have  suffered  eternal  death,  I  have  given  My  body 
to  the  death  of  the  cross,  and  shed  My  blood  for 
you  ;  and  as  certainly  feed  and  nourish  your  hung- 
ry and  thirsty  soul  wdth  My  crucified  body  and 
shed  blood  to  everlasting  life,  as  this  bread  is 
broken  before  your  eyes,  and  this  cup  is  given  to 
you,  and  you  eat  and  drink  the  same  with  your 
mouth,  in  remembrance  of  Me. 

From  this  institution  of  the  Holy  Supper  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  see  that  He  directs  our  faith 


41 

and  trust  to  His  Perfect  Sacrifice,  once  offered  on 
the  cross,  as  to  the  only  ground  and  foundation  of 
our  salvation;  wherein  He  is  become  to  our  hung- 
ry and  thirsty  souls,  the  true  meat  and  drink  of  life 
eternal.  For  by  His  death  He  hath  taken  away  the 
cause  of  our  eternal  death  and  misery,  namely, sin; 
and  obtained  for  us  the  Quickening  Spirit,  that  we 
by  the  same,  which  dwelleth  in  Christ  as  the  Head, 
and  in  us  as  His  members,  might  have  true  com- 
munion with  Him,  and  be  made  partakers  of  all 
His  blessings,  of  life  eternal,  righteousness,  and 
glory. 

Besides,  that  we,  by  the  same  Spirit  may  also  be 
united  as  members  of  one  Body,  in  true  brotherly 
love  ;  as  the  holy  Apostle  saith,  "  For  we,  being 
many,  are  one  bread  and  one  body  ;  for  we  are  all 
partakers  of  that  one  bread." 

[For  as  out  of  many  grains 
one  meal  is  ground  and  one  bread  baked,  and  out  of  many  ber- 
ries being  pressed  together,  one  wine  floweth  and  mixeth  itself 
together  ;  so  shall  we  all,  who  by  a  true  faith  are  ingrafted  into 
Christ,  through  brotherly  love  be  altogether  one  body,  for,  the 
sake  of  Christ,  our  Beloved  Saviour,  who  hath  so  exceedingly 
loved  us  ;  and  shall  show  this,  not  only  in  word,  but  also  in  very 
deed  towards  one  another.] 

Hereto  assist  us,  the  Almighty  God  and  Father 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  through  His  Holy  Spirit ! 
Amen. 

That  we  may  obtain  all  this,  let  us  humble  our- 
selves before  God,  and  with  true  faith  implore  His 
grace. 


42 


PRAYER. 


O  Most  Merciful  God  and  Father,  we  beseech 
Thee,  that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased,  in  this  Supper,  in 
which  we  celebrate  the  glorious  remembrance  of 
the  bitter  death  of  Thy  Beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
to  work  in  our  hearts  through  the  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  daily,  more  and  more,  with  true  confidence, 
give  ourselves  up  unto  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  so 
that  our  afflicted  and  contrite  hearts,  through  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  may  be  fed  and  comfort- 
ed with  His  true  body  and  blood ;  yea,  with  Him, 
True  God  and  Man,  that  Only  Heavenly  Bread  :  and 
that  we  may  no  longer  live  in  our  sins,  but  He  in 
us,  and  we  in  Him  ;  and  thus  truly  be  made  partak- 
ers of  the  new  and  everlasting  testament  and  cove- 
nant of  grace  :  that  we  may  not  doubt  that  Thou 
wilt  for  ever  be  our  Gracious  Father,  never  more 
imputing  our  sins  unto  us,  and  providing  us,  as  Thy 
beloved  children  and  heirs,  with  all  things  neces- 
sary, as  well  for  the  body  as  the  soul.  Grant  us 
also  Thy  grace,  that  we  may  take  upon  us  our  cross 
cheerfully,  deny  ourselves,  confess  our  Saviour,  and 
in  all  tribulations,  with  uplifted  heads  expect  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  from  heaven,  where  He  will 
make  our  mortal  bodies  like  unto  His  most  glorious 
body,  and  take  us  unto  Him  in  eternity. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallov^^ed 
BE  Thy  name:   Thy  kingdom  come:  Thy  will 

BE  DONE  ON  EARTH  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN:  GiVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD:  AND  FORGIVE 
US    OUR    DEBTS,    AS    WE     FORGIVE    OUR     DEBTORS  : 


43 
And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 

us  FROM  EVIL:  FOR  ThINE  IS  THE  KINGDOM,  AND 
THE  POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 

Strengthen  us  also  by  this  Holy  Supper  in  the 
Catholic  undoubted  Christian  Faith,  whereof  we 
make  confession  with  our  mouths  and  hearts, 
saying  :* 

I  BELIEVE  IN  God,  the    Father   Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 
And  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son  our  Lord  ; 

WHO  WAS    conceived   BY  THE  HOLY  GhOST,  BORN 

OF  THE  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius 
Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried;  He 

descended  into  hell  ;  THE  THIRD  DAY  He  ROSE 
AGAIN  FROM  THE  DEAD  ;  He  ASCENDED  INTO  HEA- 
VEN ;   AND    SITTETH    AT   THE   RIGHT   HAND  OF  GOD 

THE  Father  Almighty  ;  from  thence  He  shall 

COME  TO  JUDGE  THE  QUICK  AND  THE  DEAD. 

I    BELIEVE     IN     THE    HOLY     GhOST  ;     THE    HOLY 

Catholic  Church,  the   communion  of  saints  ; 

THE  forgiveness  OF  SINS  ;  THE  RESURRECTION  OF 
THE   BODY  ;   AND  THE   LIFE  EVERLASTING.     AmEN. 

That  we  may  be  now  fed  with  the  True  Heavenly 
Bread,  Christ  Jesus,  let  us  not  cleave  with  our  hearts 
unto  the  external  bread  and  wine,  but  lift  them  up 
on  high  in  heaven,  where  Christ  Jesus  is  our  Advo- 
cate, at  the  right  hand  of  His  Heavenly  Father, 
whither  all  the  Articles  of  our  Faith  lead  us ;  not 

*  The  words  "  with  our  mouths  and  hearts,""  evidently  require  the  audible 
confesBion  of  these  "Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith,"  both  by  the  Minister 
and  the  people.  And  such  was  the  ancient  usage.  It  is  recommended  that 
it  be  restored. 


44 

doubting  that,  through  the  working  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  we  shall  as  certainly  be  fed  and  refreshed  in 
our  souls  with  His  Body  and  Blood,  as  we  receive 
the  holy  bread  and  wine,  in  remembrance  of  Him. 

In  breaking  and  distributing  the  bread,  the  Minister  shall  say : 

The  bread  which  we  break,  is  the  communion 
of  the  Body  of  Christ. 

And  when  he  giveth  the  cup  : 

The  cup  of  blessing,  which  we  bless,  is  the  com- 
munion of  the  Blood  of  Christ. 

During  the  Communion,  a  Psalm  shall  or  may  be  devoutly  sung,  or  some 
chapter  read,  in  remembrance  of  the  death  of  Christ,  as  Isaiah  liii,  John  xiii, 
xiv,  XV,  xvi,  xvii,  xviii,  or  the  like. 


III. 

After  the  Communion,  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Beloved  in  the  Lord,  since  the  Lord  hath  now 
fed  our  souls  at  His  table,  let  us  therefore  jointly 
praise  His  Holy  Name,  with  thanksgiving,  and 
every  one  say  in  his  heart,  thus :  * 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ;  and  all  that  is  with- 
in me,  bless  His  Holy  Name. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul  ;  and  forget  not 
ALL  His  benefits. 

Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities ;  Who  healeth 
all  thy  diseases. 

*  It  is  recommended  that  this  Psalm  of  Thanksgiving,  (Psalm  108),  be  read  re- 
sponsively  by  the  Minister  and  people ;  the  Minister  reading  the  first  verse,  the 
people  the  second,  and  so  on. 


45        V 

Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  destruction  ; 
WHO    crowneth    thee  with  loving-kindness 

AND  tender  mercies. 

The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious ;  slow  to 
anger,  and  plenteous  in  mercy. 

He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins  ; 
nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our  iniqui- 
TIES. 

For  as  the  heaven  is  high  above  the  earth ;  so 
great  is  His  mercy  toward  them  that  fear  Him. 

As  FAR  AS  THE  EaST  IS  FROM  THE  WeST  ;  SO 
FAR  HATH  He  REMOVED  OUR  TRANSGRESSIONS 
FROM  US. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children ;  so  the  Lord 
pitieth  them  that  fear  Him. 

[Who  hath 
not  spared  His  Own  Son,  but  delivered  Him  up  for  us  all,  and 
given  us  all  things  with  Him.  Therefore  God  commendeth 
therewith  His  love  toward  us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  sin- 
ners, Christ  died  for  us  ;  much  more  then,  being  now  justified  by 
His  blood,  we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath  through  Him.  For,  if, 
when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death 
of  His  Son  ;  much  more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be  saved  by 
His  life.  Therefore  shall  my  mouth  and  heart  show  forth  the 
praise  of  the  Lord  from  this  time  forth  for  evermore.]     Amen. 

Let  every  one  say  with  an  attentive  heart : 

O  Almighty,  Merciful  God  and  Father,  we  ren- 
der Thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks,  that 
Thou  hast,  of  Thine  infinite  mercy,  given  us  Thine 
Only  Begotten  Son,  for  a  Mediator  and  a  Sacrifice 
for  our  sins,  and  to  be  our  Meat  and  Drink  unto  life 
eternal ;  and  that  Thou  givest  us  lively  faith,  where- 
by we  are  made  partakers  of  these  Thy  benefits. 


46 

Thou  hast  also  been  pleased,  that  Thy  Beloved  Son 
Jesus  Christ  should  institute  and  ordain  His  Holy 
Supper  for  the  confirmation  of  the  same.  Grant, 
we  beseech  Thee,  O  Faithful  God  and  Father,  that 
through  the  operation  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  the  com- 
memoration of  the  death  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
may  tend  to  the  daily  increase  of  our  faith,  and  oi 
our  saving  fellowship  with  Him  :  Through  Jesus 
Christ  Thy  Son,  in  whose  Name  we  conclude  our 
prayers,  saying : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
BE  Thy  name  :   Thy  kingdom  come  :   Thy  will 

BE  DONE  ON  EARTH  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN:  GiVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD  :  AND  FORGIVE 
US  OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS  : 
AND  LEAD  US  NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER 
US  FROM  EVIL:  FOR  ThINE  IS  THE  KINGDOM,  AND 
THE   ^OWER,   AND   THE   GLORY,   FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 


CHURCH    DISCIPLINE. 


'      VI. 

Beloved  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  it  is  known 
unto  you,  that  we  have  several  times,  and  by  seve- 
ral methods  declared  unto  you  the  great  sin  com- 
mitted, and  the  heinous  offence  given  by  our  fellow 
member  N.,  to  the  end  that  he,  by  your  Christian 
admonition,  and  prayers  to  God,  might  be  brought 
to  repentance,  and  so  be  freed  from  the  bonds  of  the 
devil  by  whom  he  is  held  captive,  and  be  recovered 
by  the  will  of  the  Lord.  But  we  cannot  conceal 
from  you,  with  great  sorrow,  that  no  one  has  as  yet 
appeared  before  us,  who  hath  in  the  least  given  us 
to  understand  that  he,  by  the  frequent  admonitions 
given  him,  as  well  in  private,  as  before  witnesses, 
and  in  the  presence  of  many,  is  come  to  any  remorse 
for  his  sins,  or  hath  shown  the  least  token  of  true 
repentance.  Since  then  by  his  stubbornness,  he 
daily  aggravates  his  sin,  which  in  itself  is  not  small, 

(47) 


48 

and  since  we  lately  signified  unto  you  that  in  case 
he  did  not  repent,  after  such  patience  shown  him  by 
the  Church,  we  should  be  under  the  disagreeable 
necessity  of  being  further  grieved  for  him,  and 
should  come  to  the  last  remedy  :  we  at  this  present 
are  necessitated  to  proceed  to  this  excommunication, 
according  to  the  command  and  charge  given  us  by 
God  in  his  Holy  Word ;  to  the  end  that  he  may 
hereby  be  made,  if  possible,  ashamed  of  his  sins  ; 
and  likewise  that  we  may  not,  by  this  rotten,  and 
as  yet  incurable  member,  put^  the  whole  body  of 
the  Church  in  danger,  and  that  God's  Name  may 
not  be  blasphemed. 

Therefore,  we,  the  Ministers  and  rulers  of  the 
Church  of  God,  being  here  assembled ;  in  the  name 
and  authority  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  declare  be- 
fore you  all,  that  for  the  aforesaid  reasons  we  have 
excommunicated,  and  by  these  do  excommunicate 
N.  from  the  Church  of  God,  and  from  the  fellow- 
ship of  Christ  and  of  the  Holy  Sacraments,  and 
from  all  the  spiritual  blessings  and  benefits,  which 
God  promises  to  and  bestows  upon  His  Church,  so 
long  as  he  obstinately  and  impenitently  persists  in 
his  sins  ;  and  he  is  therefore  to  be  accounted  by  you 
as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican,  according  to  the 
command  of  Christ,  who  saith  that  whatsoever  His 
ministers  shall  bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in 
heaven. 

Further,  we  exhort  you,  beloved  Christians,  to 
keep  no  company  with  him,  that  he  may  be  asham- 
ed ;  yet  count  him  not  as  an  enemy,  but  at  all  times 
admonish  him  as  you  would  a  brother.     In   the 


49 

mean  time  let  every  one  take  warning  by  this  and 
such  like  examples,  to  fear  the  Lord,  and  diligently 
take  heed  unto  himself,  if  he  thinketh  he  standeth, 
lest  he  fall ;  but  having  true  fellowship  with  the 
Father  and  His  Son  Jesus  Christ,  together  with  all 
faithful  Christians,  remain  steadfast  therein  to  the 
end,  and  so  to  obtain  eternal  salvation  !  You  have 
seen,  beloved  brethren  and  sisters,  in  what  manner 
this  our  excomunicated  brother  has  begun  to  fall, 
and  by  degrees  is  come  to  ruin  ;  observe,  therefore, 
how  subtle  Satan  is,  to  bring  man  to  destruction, 
and  to  withdraw  him  from  all  salutary  means  of 
salvation.  Guard,  then,  against  the  least  begin- 
nings of  evil,  "  and  laying  aside  every  weight  and 
the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  us,  let  us  run 
with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us,  looking 
unto  Jesus  the  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith.  Be 
sober ;  watch  and  pray,  lest  you  enter  into  tempta- 
tion. To-day,  if  you  will  hear  the  voice  of  the 
Lord,  harden  not  your  hearts,  but  work  out  your 
own  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling ; "  and  let 
every  one  repent  of  his  sins,  that  our  God  may  not 
humble  us  again,  and  we  be  obliged  to  bewail  some 
one  of  you  ;  but  that  you,  living  with  one  accord 
in  all  godliness,  may  be  our  crown  and  joy  in  the 
Lord. 

Since  it  is  God  who  worketh  in  us,  both  to  will 
and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure,  let  us  call  upon 
His  Holy  Name  with  confession  of  our  sins,  saying : 


50 


PRAYER. 

O  Righteous  God  and  Merciful  Father,  we  be- 
wail our  sins  before  Thy  High  Majesty,  and  acknow- 
ledge that  we  have  deserved  the  grief  and  sorrow 
caused  us  by  the  cutting  off  of  this  our  late  fellow 
member ;  yea,  shouldst  Thou  enter  into  judgment 
with  us,  we  all  deserve,  by  reason  of  our  great 
transgressions,  to  be  cut  off  and  banished  from  Thy 
presence.  But,  O  Lord,  Thou  art  merciful  unto  us 
for  Christ's  sake ;  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  for  we 
heartily  repent  of  them,  and  daily  work  in  our 
hearts  a  greater  measure  of  sorrow  for  them ;  that 
we,  fearing  Thy  judgments  which  Thou  executest 
against  the  stiff-necked,  may  endeavor  to  please 
Thee.  Help  us  to  avoid  all  pollution  of  the  world, 
and  of  those  who  are  cut  off  from  the  communion 
of  the  Church,  that  we  may  not  make  ourselves 
partakers  of  their  sins ;  and  grant  that  he,  who  is 
excommunicated,  may  become  ashamed  of  his  sins. 
And  since  Thou  desirest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner, 
but  that  he  may  repent  and  live,  and  since  the 
bosom  of  Thy  Church  is  alway  open  for  those,  who 
turn  away  from  their  wickedness ;  we,  therefore, 
humbly  beseech  Thee,  to  kindle  in  our  hearts  a 
pious  zeal,  that  we  may  labor,  with  Christian  admo- 
nitions and  examples,  to  bring  again  this  excom- 
municated person  into  the  righf  way,  together  with 
all  those  who,  through  unbelief  or  dissoluteness  of 
life,  go  astray. 

Give  Thy  blessing  to  our  admonitions,  that  we 
may  have  reason  thereby  to  rejoice  again  in  him, 


51 

for  whom  we  must  now  mourn  ;  and  that  Thy  Holy 
Name  may  be  praised,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  Who  hath  taught  us  to  pray: 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven.  Hal- 
lowed BE  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy 

WILL  be  done  on  earth  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN  :  GiVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD  :  AND  FORGIVE  US 
OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS:  AND 
LEAD    US   NOT  INTO   TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER   US 

FROM  EVIL :   For  Thine  is   the  kingdom,  and 

THE  POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 

INTO    THE    CHURCH    OF    CHRIST.     ^^5;5^^2rTA. 

Beloved  in  the  Lord,  it  is  known  unto  you, 
some  time  ago  our  fellow  member  N.  was  cut  off 
from  the  Church  of  Christ ;  we  cannot  now  conceal 
from  you,  that  he,  by  the  above  mentioned  remedy, 
as  also  by  the  means  of  good  admonition  and  your 
Christian  prayers,  is  come  so  far,  that  he  is  ashamed 
of  his  sins,  praying  us  to  be  re-admitted  into  the 
communion  of  the  Church. 

Since  we  then,  by  virtue  of  the  command  of 
God,  are  in  duty  bound  to  receive  such  persons 
with  joy,  and  it  being  necessary  that  good  order 
should  be  used  therein,  we  therefore  give  you  to 
understand  hereby,  that  we  purpose  to  loose  again 
the  aforementioned  excommunicated  person  from 


52 

the  bond  of  excommunication,  the  next  time  when 
by  the  grace  of  God  we  celebrate  the  Supper  of 
the  Lord,  and  receive  him  again  into  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Church  ;  except  any  one  of  you,  in  the 
mean  time,  shall  show  just  cause  why  this  ought  not 
to  be  done,  of  which  you  must  give  notice  to  us  in 
due  time.  In  the  mean  time,  let  every  one  thank 
the  Lord  for  the  mercy  shown  this  poor  sinner, 
beseeching  Him  to  perfect  his  work  in  him  to  his 
eternal  salvation.     Amen. 

Afterwards,  if  no  impediment  be  alleged,  the  Minister  shall  proceed  to  the 
re-admissioli  of  the  excommunicated  person,  in  the  following  manner : 

Beloved  Christians,  we  have  the  last  time  in- 
formed you  of  the  repentance  of  our  fellow  member 
N.  to  the  end  that  he  might  with  your  foreknowl- 
edge be  received  into  the  Church  of  Christ ;  and 
whereas  no  one  has  alleged  any  thing  why  his. 
re-admission  ought  not  to  take  place,  we  therefore, 
at  present,  purpose  to  proceed  to  the  same. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Matt.  i8,  having  con- 
firmed the  sentence  of  His  Church,  in  the  excom- 
munication of  impenitent  sinners,  declareth  imme- 
diately thereupon,  that  whatsoever  his  Ministers  shall 
loose  on  earthy  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven  ;  whereby  He 
giveth  to  understand,  that  when  any  person  is  cut 
off  from  His  Church  he  is  not  deprived  of  all  hope  of 
salvation ;  but  can  again  be  loosed  from  the  bonds 
of  condemnation.  Therefore,  since  God  declares  in 
His  Word,  that  He  takes  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of 
a  sinner,  but  that  he  turn  from  his  wickedness  and 
live,  so  the  Church  always  hopes  for  the  repentance 
of  the  backshding  sinner,  and  keepeth  her  bosom 


53 

open  to  receive  the  penitent;  accordingly  the 
Apostle  Paul,  i  Cor.  5,  commanded  the  Corinthian 
(whom  he  had  declared  ought  to  be  cut  off  from 
the  Church)  to  be  again  received  and  comforted, 
since  being  reproved  by  many,  he  was  come  to  the 
knowledge  of  his  sins :  to  the  end  that  he  should  not 
be  swallowed  up  with  over-much  sorrow.  2  Cor.  2. 

Secondly,  Christ  teaches  us  in  the  aforementioned 
text,  that  the  sentence  of  absolution,  which  is  passed 
upon  such  a  penitent  sinner  according  to  the  word 
of  God,  is  counted  sure  and  firm  by  the  Lord  ; 
therefore,  no  one  ought  to  doubt  in  the  least,  who 
truly  repents,  that  he  is  assuredly  received  by  God 
in  mercy,  as  Christ  s'aith,  John,  Chap.  20,  Whose  so- 
ever sins  ye  remit,  they  are  remitted  unto  them. 

But  now  to  proceed  to  the  matter  in  hand :  I  ask 
thee,  N.  whether  thou  dost  declare  here  with  all 
thine  heart  before  God  and  His  Church,  that  thou 
art  sincerely  sorry  for  the  sin  and  stubbornness,  for 
which  thou  hast  justly  been  cut  off  from  the 
Church  :  whether  thou  dost  also  truly  believe,  that 
the  Lord  hath  forgiven  thee,  and  doth  forgive  thy 
sins  for  Christ's  sake,  and  that  thou  therefore  art 
desirous  to  be  re-admitted  into  the  Church  of 
Christ,  promising  henceforth  to  live  in  all  godliness 
according  to  the  command  of  the  Lord  ? 

Answer.    Yes,  verily. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  further  say, 

We,  then,  here  assembled  in  the  Name  and 
authority  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  declare  thee 
N.  to  be  absolved  from  the  bonds  of  excommunica- 
tion ;   and  do  receive  thee  again  into  the  Church  of 


54 

the  Lord,  and  declare  unto  thee  that  thou  art  in 
the  communion  of  Christ  and  of  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ments, and  of  all  the  spiritual  blessings  and  benefits 
of  God  which  He  promiseth  to  and  bestoweth 
upon  His  Church :  may  the  Eternal  God  preserve 
thee  therein,  to  the  end,  through  His  only  begotten 
Son,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Be  therefore  assured  in  thy  heart,  my  beloved 
brother,  that  the  Lord  hath  again  received  thee  in 
mercy.  Be  diligent  henceforward  to  guard  thyself 
against  the  subtlety  of  Satan,  and  the  wickedness  of 
the  world,  to  the  end  that  thou  mayest  not  fall 
again  into  sin :  love  Christ,  for  many  sins  are  for- 
given thee. 

And  you,  beloved  Christians,  receive  this  your 
brother  with  hearty  affection ;  be  glad  that  he  was 
dead  and  is  alive  again,  he  was  lost  and  is  found  ; 
rejoice  with  the  angels  of  heaven,  over  this  sinner 
who  repenteth  :  count  him  no  longer  as  a  stranger, 
but  as  a  fellow  citizen  with  the  saints,  and  of  the 
household  of  God.  And  whereas  we  can  have  no 
good  of  ourselves,  let  us,  praising  and  magnifying 
the  Lord  Almighty,  implore  His  mercy,  saying, 

PRAYER. 

Gracious  God  and  Father,  we  thank  Thee, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  that  Thou  hast  been  pleased 
to  give  this  our  fellow  brother  repentance  unto  life, 
and  us  cause  to  rejoice  in  his  conversion.  We 
beseech  Thee,  show  him  Thy  mercy,  that  he  may 
become  more  and  more  assured  in  his  mind  of  the 


55 

remission  of  his  sins,  and  that  he  may  receive  from 
thence  inexpressible  joy  and  delight  to  serve  Thee. 
And  whereas  he  hath  heretofore  by  his  sins  offended 
many,  grant  that  he  may>  by  his  conversion,  edify 
many.  Grant  also  that  he  may  steadfastly  walk  in 
Thy  ways,  to  the  end  ;  and  may  we  learn  from  this 
example,  that  with  Thee  is  mercy,  that  Thou  may- 
est  be  feared  ;  and"  that  we,  counting  him  for  our 
brother  and  co-heir  of  life  eternal,  may  jointly  serve 
Thee  with  filial  fear  and  obedience  all  the  days  ot 
our  life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  in  whose 
Name  we  thus  conclude  our  prayer: 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
BE  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :   Thy  will 

BE  DONE  ON  EARTH,  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN  :  GiVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD  :  AnD  FORGIVE 
US  OUR  DEBTS,  As  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS: 
AND  LEAD  US  NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER 
US  FROM  EVIL :  FOR  THINE  IS  THE  KINGDOM,  AND 
THE  POWER,  jCnD  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 


FORMS    OF   ORDINATION 


VII. 


The  sermon  and  the  usual  prayers  heing  finished,  the  Minister  shall  thus  speak 
to  the  Congregation  : 

Beloved  Brethren  :  it  is  known  unto  you,  that 
we  have  now  at  three  different  times  published  the 
name  of  our  brother  N.,  here  present,  to  learn 
whether  any  person  had  aught  to  offer  concerning 
his  doctrine  or  life,  why  he  might  not  be  ordained 
to  the  Ministry  of  the  Word.  And,  whereas,  no 
one  hath  appeared  before  us,  who  hath  alleged 
any  thing  lawful  against  his  person,  we  shall  there- 
fore at  present,  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  proceed 
to  his  ordination.  For  which  purpose,  )^ou  N., 
and  all  those  who  are  here  present,  shall  first  at- 
tend to  a  short  declaration  taken  from  the  Word 
of  God,  touching  the  Institution  and  the  Office 
of  Pastors  and  Ministers  of  God's  Word  : 

Where,  in  the  first  place,  you  are  to  observe,  that 
God  our  Heavenly  Father,  willing  to  call  and 
gather  a  Church  from  amongst  the  corrupt  race  of 
men  unto  Hfe  eternal,  doth  by  a  particular  mark  of 

His  favor  use  the  ministry  of  men  therein.     There- 

(56) 


57 

fore  the  Apostle  Paul  saith,  that  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  *'gave  some,  apostles;  and  some,  proph- 
ets ;  and  some,  evangelists  ;  and  some,  pastors  and 
teachers ;  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body 
of  Christ."  Here  we  see  that  the  Holy  Apostle 
among  other  things  saith,  that  the  Pastoral  office  is 
an  Institution  of  Christ. 

What  this  Holy  Office  enjoins,  may  easily  be  ga- 
thered from  the  very  name  itself;  for  as  it  is  the 
duty  of  a  common  shepherd,  to  feed,  guide,  protect, 
and  rule  the  flock  committed  to  his  charge  ;  so  it  is 
with  regard  to  these  spiritual  shepherds,  who  are 
set  over  the  Church  which  God  calleth  unto  salva- 
tion,* and  counts  as  sheep  of  His  pasture.  The  pas- 
ture with  which  these  sheep  are  fed,  is  nothing  but 
the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  accompanied  with 
Prayer,  and  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ments. The  same  Word  of  God  is  likewise  the  staff 
with  which  the  flock  is  guided  and  ruled.  Conse- 
quently, it  is  evident  that  the  office  of  Pastors  and 
Ministers  of  God's  Word  is  : 

Firsts  That  they  faithfully  explain  to  their  flock, 
the  Word  of  the  Lord,  revealed  by  the  writings  of 
the  prophets  and  the  apostles ;  and  apply  the  same, 
as  well  in  general  as  in  particular,  to  the  edification 
of  the  hearers ;  instructing,  admonishing,  comfort- 
ing, and  reproving,  according  to  every  one's  need  ; 
preaching  repentance  towards  God,  and  reconcilia- 
tion with  Him  through  faith  in  Christ ;  and  refuting 
with  the  Holy  Scriptures  all  schisms  and  heresies 
which  are  repugnant  to  the  pure  doctrine.  All 
3* 


58 

this  is  clearly  signified  to  us  in  Holy  Writ ;  for  the 
Apostle  Paul  saith,  that  these  labor  in  the  Word  ; 
and  elsewhere  he  teaches  that  this  must  be  done 
according  to  the  measure  [or  rule]  of  faith.  He 
writes  also  that  a  Pastor  must  hold  fast  and  rightly 
divide  the  faithful  and  sincere  Word  which  is  ac- 
cording to  the  doctrine  :  "  likewise,  he  that  prophe- 
sieth  [that  is,  preacheth  God's  Word],  speaketh  un- 
to men  to  edification,  and  exhortation,  and  comfort." 
In  another  place,  he  proposes  himself  as  a  pattern 
to  Pastors,  declaring  that  he  ''publicly,  and  from 
house  to  house,  taught,  and  testified  repentance  to- 
wards God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  But  particularly  we  have  a  clear  descrip- 
tion of  the  office  of  Ministers  of  God's  Word,  (2 
Cor.  5  :  18-20),  where  the  Apostle  thus  speaketh, 
*'  And  all  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled 
us  to  Himself  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  hath  given  to  us 
[namel}^  to  the  Apostles  and  Pastors],  the  ministry 
of  reconcihation  ;  to  wit,  that  God  was  in  Christ, 
reconciling  the  world  unto  Himself,  not  imputing 
their  trespasses  unto  them ;  and  hath  committed 
unto  us  the  word  of  reconciliation.  Now,  then,  we 
are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as  though  God  did  be- 
seech you  by  us :  we  pray  you  in  Christ's  stead,  be 
ye  reconciled  to  God."  Concerning  the  refutation 
of  false  doctrine,  the  same  Apostle  saith  (Tit.  i  :  9), 
that  a  Minister  must  "  hold  fast  the  faithful  Word 
of  God,  that  he  may  be  able  by  sound  doctrine  both 
to  exhort  and  convince  the  gainsayers." 

Secondly.  It  is  the  Office  of  the  Ministers,  publicly 
to  call  upon  the  Name  of  the  Lord  in  behalf  of  the 


59 

whole  congregation ;  for  that  which  the  Apostles 
say,  "  We  will  give  ourselves  continually  to  prayer, 
and  to  the  ministry  of  the  Word,"  is  common  to 
these  Pastors  and  the  Apostles ;  to  which  St.  Paul, 
alluding,  thus  speaketh  to  Timothy :  "  I  exhort, 
therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications,  prayers, 
intercessions  and  giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all 
men :  for  kings,  and  for  all  that  are  in  authority," 
etc.,  (i  Tim.  2:  i,  2). 

Thirdly.  Their  Office  is  to  administer  the  Sacra- 
ments which  the  Lord  hath  instituted  as  seals  of 
His  grace  ;  as  is  evident  from  the  command  given 
by  Christ  to  the  Apostles,  and  in  them  to  all  Pas- 
tors :  "  Baptize  them  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  Likewise, 
"  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also 
I  delivered  unto  j^ou,"  etc. 

Finally.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Ministers  of  the 
Word,  to  keep  the  Church  of  God  in  good  disci- 
pline, and  to  govern  it  in  such  a  manner  as  the 
Lord  hath  ordained.  For  Christ,  having  spoken  of 
the  Christian  discipline,  says  to  His  Apostles, 
"  Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound 
in  heaven."  And  St.  Paul  will  have  the  Ministers 
know  how  to  rule  their  own  house,  since  they 
otherwise  neither  can  provide  for,  nor  rule  the 
Church  of  God.  This  is  the  reason  why  the  Pastors 
are  in  Scripture  called  Stewards  of  God  and  Bishops  ^ 
that  is,  overseers  and  watchmen  ;  for  they  have  the 
oversight  of  the  house  of  God,  wherein  they  are 
conversant,  to  the  end  that  every  thing  may  be 
transacted  with  good  order  and  decency  ;  and,  also. 


6o 

that  they  may  open  and  shut,  with  the  keys  of  the 
Kingdom  of  Heaven  committed  to  them,  according 
to  the  charge  given  them  by  God. 

From  these  things  may  be  learned,  what  a  glori- 
ous work  the  Ministerial  Office  is  ;  since  so  great 
things  are  effected  by  it ;  yea,  how  highly  neces- 
sary it  is  for  man's  salvation :  which  is  also  the 
reason  why  the  Lord  will  have  such  an  Office  always 
to  remain.  For  Christ  said  when  He  sent  forth  His 
Apostles  to  officiate  in  this  holy  function,  "  Lo,  I 
am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world  ;"  where  we  see  His  pleasure  is,  that  this 
Holy  Office,  (for  the  persons  to  whom  he  here  speak- 
eth  could  not  live  to  the  end  of  the  world),  should 
always  be  maintained  on  earth.  And,  therefore,  St. 
Paul  exhorted  Timothy,  "  to  commit  that  which  he 
had  heard  of  him  to  faithful  men,  who  should  be 
able  to  teach  others";  as  he  also,  having  ordained 
Titus,  minister,  further  commanded  him  to  *■'  ordain 
elders  in  every  city,"  (Tit.  i  :  5). 

Forasmuch  therefore  as  we,  for  the  maintaining 
of  this  office  in  the  Church  of  God^  are  now  to  or- 
dain a  new  Minister  of  the  Word,  and  have  suffi- 
ciently spoken  of  the  Office  of  such  persons;  there- 
fore you,  N.,  shall  answer  to  the  following  questions, 
to  the  end  that  it  may  appear  to  all  here  present, 
that  you  are  inclined  to  accept  of  this  Office  as 
above  described. 

First.  I  ask  thee,  dost  thou  feel  in  thy  heart  that 
thou  art  lawfully  called  of  God's  Church,  and, 
therefore,  of  God  Himself,  to  this  Holy  Ministry  ? 

Secondly.  Dost  thou  believe  the  books  of  the  Old 


6i 

and  New  Testament  to  be  the  only  Word  of  God, 
and  the  perfect  doctrine  unto  salvation  ;  and  dost 
thou  reject  all  doctrines  repugnant  thereto  ? 

Thirdly.  Dost  thou  promise  faithfully  to  dis- 
charge thy  office,  according  to  the  same  doctrine  as 
above  described,  and  to  adorn  it  with  a  godly  Ufe ; 
also,  to  submit  thyself,  in  case  thou  shouldst  be- 
come delinquent,  either  in  life  or  doctrine,  to  eccle- 
siastical admonition,  according  to  the  public  ordi- 
nance of  the  churches  ? 

To  which  the  Candidate  shall  give  answer. 

Answer.  Yes,  truly,  with  all  my  heart. 

Then  the  Minister,  who  did  demand  those  questions  of  him,  and  other  Minis- 
ters who  are  present,  shall  lay  their  hands  *  on  his  head,  and  say  : 

God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  v^ho  hath  called  thee 
to  this  Holy  Ministry,  ^nlighten  thee  with  His  Holy 
Spirit ;  strengthen  thee  with  His  hand  ;  and  so  gov- 
ern thee  in  thy  Ministry,  that  thou  mayest  decently 
and  fruitfully  walk  therein,  to  the  glory  of  His 
Name,  and  the  propagation  of  the  Kingdom  of  His 
Son  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Then  the  Minister  shall,  from  the  pulpit,  exhort  the  ordained  Minister,  and  the 
congregation,  in  the  following  manner  : 

Take  heed,  therefore,  beloved  brother  and  fellow- 
servant  in  Christ,  unto  yourself  and  to  all  the  flock, 
over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  Over- 
seer, to  feed  the  Church  of  God  which  He  hath 
purchased   with  His  own  blood :  love  Christ,  and 

*  This  ceremony  shall  not  be  used  in  ordaining  those  who  have  before  been  in 
the  ministry. 


62 

feed  His  sheep,  taking  the  oversight  of  them  not  by 
constraint,  but  wilUngly  ;  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but 
of  a  ready  mind ;  neither  as  being  lord  over  God's 
heritage,  but  as  an  example  to  the  flock.  Be  an 
example  of  believers,  in  word,  in  conversation,  in 
charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.  Give  attend- 
ance to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  doctrine.  Neg- 
lect not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee ;  meditate  upon 
these  things  ;  give  thyself  wholly  to  them,  that  thy 
profiting  may  appear  to  all ;  take  heed  to  thy  doc- 
trine, and  continue  steadfast  therein.  Bear  pa- 
tiently all  sufferings  and  oppressions,  as  a  good  sol- 
dier of  Jesus  Christ  ;  for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt 
both  save  thyself  and  them  that  hear  thee.  And 
when  the  Chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  thou  shalt 
receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away. 

And  you,  likewise,  betoved  Christians,  receive 
this  your  Minister  in  the  Lord  with  all  gladness, 
"and  hold  such  in  reputation."  Remember  that 
God  Himself  through  him  speaketh  unto  you  and 
beseecheth  you.  Receive  the  word,  which  he,  ac- 
cording to  the  Scripture,  shall  preach  unto  you, 
"  not  as  the  word  of  man,  but,  as  it  is  in  truth,  the 
Word  of  God."  Let  the  feet  of  those  that  preach 
the  Gospel  of  Peace,  and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good 
things,  be  beautiful  and  pleasant  unto  you.  Obey 
them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit  your- 
selves ;  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that 
inust  give  account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy, 
and  not  with  grief ;  for  that  is  unprofitable  for 
you.  If  you  do  these  things,  it  shall  come  to  pass, 
that  the  peace  of  God  shall  enter  into  your  houses, 


63 

and  that  you,  who  receive  this  man  in  the  name  of 
a  prophet,  shall  receive  a  prophet's  reward,  and 
through  his  preaching,  believing  in  Christ,  you  shall 
through  Christ  inherit  life  eternal.  Since  no  man 
is  of  himself  fit  for  any  of  these  things,  let  us  call 
upon  God  with  thanksgiving : 

PRAYER. 

Merciful  Father,  we  thank  Thee  that  it  pleaseth 
Thee,  by  the  ministry  of  men,  to  gather  a  Church 
to  Thyself  unto  life  eternal,  from  among  the  lost 
children  of  men.  We  bless  Thee  for  so  graciously 
providing  the  Church  in  this  place  with  a  faithful 
Minister.  We  beseech  Thee  to  qualify  him  daily 
more  and  more  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  for  the  ministry 
to  which  Thou  hast  ordained  and  called  him.  En- 
lighten his  understanding  to  comprehend  Thy  Holy 
Word,  and  give  him  utterance,  that  he  may  boldly 
open  his  mouth,  to  make  known  and  dispense  the 
mysteries  of  the  Gospel.  Endue  him  with  wisdom 
and  valor  to  rule  aright  the  people  over  which  he 
is  set,  and  to  preserve  them  in  Christian  peace ;  to 
the  end  that  Thy  Church,  under  his  administration 
and  by  his  good  example,  may  increase  in  number 
and  in  virtue.  Grant  him  courage  to  bear  the  diffi- 
culties and  troubles  which  he  may  meet  with  in  his 
ministry  ;  that  being  strengthened  by  the  comfort  of 
Thy  Spirit,  he  may  remain  steadfast  to  the  end,  and 
be  received  with  all  faithful  servants  into  the  joy  of 
His  Master. 

Give  Thy  grace  also  to  this  people  and  Church, 


64 

that  they  may  becomingly  deport  themselves  to- 
wards this  their  Minister ;  that  they  may  acknowl- 
edge him  to  be  sent  of  Thee  ;  that  they  may  receiv^e 
his  doctrine  with  all  reverence  and  submit  them- 
selves to  his  exhortations  ;  to  the  end  that  they  may, 
by  his  word,  beheving  in  Christ,  be  made  partakers 
of  eternal  life.  Hear  us,  O  Father,  through  Thy 
Beloved  Son,  who  hath  taught  us  to  pray : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  ^ 
BE  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 

BE  done  on  earth  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN:  GiVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD  :  AND  FORGIVE  US 
OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS:  AnD 
LEAD  US  NOT    INTO    TEMPTATION,  BUT    DELIVER  US 

FROM  EVIL:    For  Thine  is   the  kingdom,  and 

THE  power,  and  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 


65 


II. 


When  Ordained  at  the  same  time  ;  if  Ordained  separately,  this  Form  shall  bo 
used  as  occasion  requires. 

Beloved  Christians  :  you  know  that  we  have 
several  times  published  unto  you  the  names  of  our 
brethren  here  present,  who  are  chosen  to  the  office 
of  Elders  and  Deacons  in  this  Church,  to  the  end 
that  we  might  know  whether  any  person  had  aught 
to  allege,  why  they  should  not  be  ordained  to  their 
respective  offices.  And,  whereas,  no  one  hath  ap- 
peared before  us,  who  hath  alleged  any  thing  law- 
ful against  theni,  we  shall,  therefore,  at  present,  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  proceed  to  their  ordination. 

But  first,  you,  who  are  to  be  ordained,  and  all 
those  who  are  here  present,  shall  attend  to  a  short 
declaration  [from  the  Word  of  God,]  concerning  [the  in- 
stitution and]  the  office  of  Elders  and  Deacons. 

[Of  the  El- 
ders it  is  to  be  observed,  that  the  word  Elder  or  Eldest  (which 
is  taken  out  of  the  Old  Testament,  and  signifieth  a  person  who  is 
placed  in  an  honorable  office  of  government  over  others)  is  ap- 
plied to  two  sorts  of  persons  who  administer  in  the  Church  of 
Jesus  Christ :  for  the  Apostle  saith*  "  the  Elders  that  rule  well 
shall  be  counted  worthy  of  double  honor,  especially  they  who 
labor  in  the  Word  and  doctrine."  Hence,  it  is  evident  that  there 
were  two  sorts  of  Elders  in  the  Apostolic  Church,  the  former 
whereof  did  labor  in  the  Word  and  doctrine,  and  the  latter  did  not. 
The  first  were  the  Ministers  of  the  Word  and  Pastors,  who 
preached  the  Gospel  and  administered  the  Sacraments  ;  but  the 
others,  who  did  not  labor  in  the  Word,  and  still  did  serve  in  the 
Church,  bore  a  particular  office,  namely,  that  they  had  the  over- 


66 

sight  of  the  Church,  and  ruled  the  same  with  the  Ministers  of  the 
Word.  For  St.  Paul  (Rom.  1 2  : 8),  having  spoken  of  the  ministry  of 
the  Word,  and  also  of  the  office  of  distribution  of  deaconship 
speaketh  afterwards  particularly  of  this  office,  saying :  "  He  that 
ruleth,  let  him  do  it  with  diligence;"  likewise,  in  another  place* 
he  counts  "  governments  "  among  the  gifts  and  offices  which 
God  hath  instituted  in  the  Church  (r  Cor.  12:28).  Thus  we 
see  that  these  sorts  of  Ministers  are  added  to  the  others  who 
preach  the  Gospel,  to  aid  and  assist  them,  as  in  the  Old  Testa- 
ment the  common  Levites  were  to  the  priests  in  the  service  of  the 
tabernacle,  in  those  things  which  they  could  not  perform  alone  ; 
notwithstanding,  the  offices  always  remained  distinct  one  from 
the  other. 

Moreover,  it  is  proper  that  such  men  should  be  joined  to  the 
Ministers  of  the  Word  in  the  government  of  the  Church,  that 
thereby  all  tyranny  and  lording  may  be  kept  out  of  the  Church  of 
God  which  may  sooner  creep  in,  when  the  government  is  placed 
in  the  hands  of  one  alone,  or  of  a  very  few.  And  thus,  the  Min- 
isters of  the  Word,  together  with  the  Elders,  form  a  body  or  as- 
sembly, being  as  a  council  of  the  Church,  representmg  the  whole 
Church  ;  to  which  Christ  alludes  when  He  saith  :  "  Tell  the 
Church  ;"  which  can  in  no  wise  be  understood  of  all  and  every 
member  of  the  Church,  in  particular,  but  very  properly  of 
those  who  govern  the  Church  out   of  which  they  are   chosen. 

Therefore,]  In  the  first  place,  the  office  of  the 
Elders  is,  together  with  the  Ministers  of  the  Word, 
to  take  the  oversight  of  the  Church,  which  is  com- 
mitted to  them,  and  diligently  to  look,  whether 
every  one  properly  deports  himself  in  his  confes- 
sion and  conversation ;  to  admonish  those  who 
behave  themselves  disorderly,  and  to  prevent,  as 
much  as  possible,  the  Sacraments  from  being  pro- 
faned ;  also  to  act,  according  to  the  Christian  dis- 
cipline, against  the  impenitent,  and  to  receive  the 
penitent  again  into  the  bosom  of  the  Church :  as  it 
doth   appear,  not  only  from  the  above-mentioned 


6/  . 

saying  of  Christ,  but  also  from  many  other  places 
of  Holy  Writ  (as  i  Cor.  5,  and  2  Cor.  2),  that  these 
things  are  not  entrusted  to  only  one  or  two  persons, 
but  to  many  who  are  ordained  thereto. 

Secondly.  Since  the  Apostle  enjoineth,  that  all 
things  shall  be  done  decently  and  in  order,  amongst 
Christians,  and  that  no  other  persons  ought  to 
serve  in  the  Church  of  Christ  but  those  who  are 
lawfully  called,  according  to  the  Christian  ordi- 
nance ;  therefore  it  is  also  the  duty  of  the  Elders  to 
pay  regard  to  it,  and  in  all  occurrences  which  re- 
late to  the  welfare  and  good  order  of  the  Church, 
to  be  assistant  with  their  good  counsel  and  advice 
to  the  Ministers  of  the  Word  ;  yea,  also,  to  serve  all 
Christians  with  advice  and  consolation. 

Thirdly.  It  is  also  their  duty  particularly  to 
have  regard"  unto  the  doctrine  and  conversation  of 
the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  to  the  end  that  all 
things  may  be  directed  to  the  edification  of  the 
Church  ;  and  that  no  strange  doctrine  be  taught, 
according  to  that  which  we  read  (Acts  20),  where 
the  Apostle  exhorteth  to  watch  diligently  against 
the  wolves,  which  might  come  into  the  sheep-fold 
of  Christ :  for  the  performance  of  which  the  Elders 
are  in  duty  bound  diligently  to  search  the  Word  of 
God: 

[and  continually  to  be  meditating  on  the  mysteries  of 
faith.] 

Concerning  the  DEACONS :  of  the  origin  and 
institution  of  their  office  we  may  read.  Acts  6,  where 
we  find  that  the  Apostles  themselves  did  in  the  be- 
ginning serve  the  poor,  "  At  whose  feet  was  brought 


68 

the  price  of  the  things  that  were  sold :  and  distri- 
bution was  made  unto  every  man  according  as  he 
had  need.  But  afterwards,  when  a  murmuring 
arose,  because  the  widows  of  the  Grecians  were 
neglected  in  the  daily  ministration,"  men  were 
chosen,  by  the  advice  of  the  Apostles,  who  should 
make  the  service  of  the  poor  their  peculiar  business, 
to  the  end  that  the  Apostles  might  continually  give 
themselves  to  prayer,  and  to  the  Ministry  of  the 
Word. 

[And  this  has  been  continued  from  that  time  forward 
in  the  Church,  as  appears  from  Rom.  12  : 8,  where  the  Apostle, 
speaking  of  this  office,  saith,  "  he  that  giveth,  let  him  do  it  with 
simplicity."  And  (i  Cor.  12  :  28),  speaking  of"  helps,"  he  means 
those  who  are  appointed  in  the  Church  to  help  and  assist  the 
poor  and  indigent  in  time  of  need]  ;  from  which  [passage]  we 
may  easily  gather,  what  the  Deacons  office  is; 
namely : 

That  they,  in  the  ^r.?/ place,  collect  and  preserve, 
with  greatest  fidelity  and  diligenTce,  the  alms  and 
goods  which  are  given  to  the  poor ;  yea,  use  their 
utmost  endeavors,  that  many  good  means  be  pro- 
cured for  the  relief  of  the  poor. 

The  second  part  of  their  office  consists  in  distribu- 
tion ;  wherein  are  required  not  only  discretion  and 
prudence,  to  bestow  the  alms  [only  on  the  objects  of 
charity,]  but  also  cheerfulness  and  simplicity  to  as- 
sist the  poor  with  compassion  and  hearty  affection  ; 
as  the  Apostle  requires,  (Rom  12,  and  2  Cor.  9).  For  which 
end  it  is  very  beneficial,  that  they  administer  relief 
to  the  poor  and  indigent,  not  only  with  external 
gifts,  but  also  with  comfortable  words  from  Scrip- 
ture. 


69 

To  the  end,  therefore,  beloved  brethren,  N.,  N., 
that  every  one  may  hear  that  you  are  willing  to 
take  your  respective  offices  upon  you,  ye  shall  an- 
swer the  following-  questions  : 

And,  in  \\\q  first  place,  I  ask  you,  both  Elders  and 
Deacons,  whether  ye  feel  in  your  hearts,  that  ye 
are  lawfully  called  of  God's  Church,  and  conse- 
quently of  God  Himself,  to  these  your  respective 
holy  offices? 

Secondly,  Do  ye  believe  the  books  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament  to  be  the  only  Word  of  God,  and 
the  perfect  doctrine  of  salvation ;  and  do  ye  reject 
all  doctrines  repugnant  thereto  ? 

Thirdly.  Do  ye  promise,  agreeably  to  said  doc- 
trine, faithfully  according  to  your  ability,  to  dis- 
charge your  respective  offices,  as  they  are  here 
described:  Ye  Eiders,  in  the  government  of  the 
Church  together  with  the  Ministers  of  the  Word : 
and  ye  Deacons,  in  the  ministrations  to  the  poor : 
Do  ye  also  jointly  promise  to  walk  in  all  godliness, 
and  to  submit  yourselves,  in  case  ye  should  become 
remiss  in  your  duty,  to  the  admonitions  of  the 
Church  ? 

Upon  which  they  shall  answer  : 

Yes. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  say : 

The  Almighty  God  and  Father  replenish  you  all 
with  His  grace,  that  ye  may  faithfully  and  fruitful- 
ly discharge  your  respective  offices.    Amen. 


70 


The  Minister  shall  further  exhort  them,  and  the  whole  congregation,  in  tho 
following  manner  : 

Therefore,  ye  Elders,  be  diligent  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Church,  which  is  committed  to  you 
and  the  Ministers  of  the  Word.  Be  ye  also,  as  watch- 
men over  the  house  and  city  of  God,  faithful  to 
admonish  and  to  caution  every  one  against  his 
ruin.  Take  heed  that  purity  of  doctrine  and  godli- 
ness of  life  be  maintained  in  the  Church  of  God. 
And,  ye  Deacons,  be  diligent  in  collecting  the  alms, 
prudent  and  cheerful  in  the  distribution  of  the 
same  :  assist  the  oppressed,  provide  for  the  true 
widows  and  orphans,  show  liberality  unto  all  men, 
but  especially  to  the  household  of  faith.  Be  ye 
all  with  one  accord  faithful  in  your  offices,  and  hold 
the  mystery  of  the  faith  in  a  pure  conscience,  being 
good  examples  unto  all  the  people.  In  so  doing 
you  will  purchase  to  yourselves  a  good  degree,  and 
great  boldness  in  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
and  hereafter  enter  into  the  joy  of  your  Lord. 

On  the  other  hand,  beloved  Christians,  receive 
these  men  as  the  servants  of  God.  Count  the  El- 
ders that  rule  well,  worthy  of  double  honor,  give 
yourselves  willingly  to  their  inspection  and  govern- 
ment. Provide  the  Deacons  with  good  means  to 
assist  the  indigent.  Be  charitable,  [ye  rich] ;  give 
liberally,  and  contribute  willingly. 

[And,  ye  poor,  be 
poor  in  spirit,  and  deport  yourself  respectfully  towards  your  bene- 
factors, be  thankful  to  them,  and  avoid  murmuring- ;  follow  Christ, 
for  the  food  of  your  souls,  but  not  for  bread.  Let  him  that  stole 
[or  hath  been  burthensome  to  his  neighbor]  steal  no  more  ;  but 


71 

rather  let  him  labor,  working  with  his  hands  the  thing  which  is 
good,  that  he  may  have  to  give  to   him  that   needeth." 

Each  of  you,  doing  these  things  in  your  respective 
callings,  shall  receive  of  the  Lord,  the  reward  of 
righteousness.  But  since  we  are  unable  of  our- 
selves, let  us  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord,  say- 
ing: 

PRAYER. 

O  Lord  God  and  Heavenly^  Father,  we  thank 
Thee  that  it  hath  pleased  Thee,  for  the  better  edifi- 
cation of  Thy  Church,  to  ordain  in  it  besides  the 
Ministers  of  the  Word,  rulers  and  assistants,  by 
whom  Thy  Church  may  be  preserved  in  peace  and 
prosperity,  and  the  indigent  assisted  ;  and  that  Thou 
hast  at  present  granted  us  in  this  place  men  who 
are  of  good  testimony,  and  we  hope  endowed  with 
Thy  Spirit.  We  beseech  Thee,  replenish  them 
more  and  more  with  such  gifts  as  may  be  necessary 
for  them  in  their  ministrations ;  with  the  gifts  of 
wisdom,  courage,  discretion,  and  benevolence  ;  to 
the  end  that  every  one,  may,  in  his  respective  office, 
acquit  himself  as  is  becoming ;  the  Elders,  in  taking 
dihgent  heed  unto  the  doctrine  and  conversation, 
in  keeping  out  the  wolves  from  the  sheepfold  of 
Thy  beloved  Son,  and  in  admonishing  and  reprov- 
ing disorderly  persons :  in  like  manner  the  Deacons, 
in  carefully  receiving,  and  liberally  and  prudently 
distributing  the  alms  [to  the  poor,]  and  in  comforting 
[them]  with  Thy  Holy  Word.  Give  grace  both  to 
the  Elders  and  Deacons,  that  they  may  persevere 
in  their  faithful  labor,  and  never  become  weary  by 


72 

reason  of  any  trouble,  pain  or  persecution  of  the 
world.  Grant,  also,  especially  Thy  divine  grace  to 
this  people,  over  whom  they  are  placed,  that  they 
may  willingly  submit  themselves  to  the  good  ex- 
hortations of  the  Elders,  counting  them  worrtiy  of 
honor  for  their  works'  sake ;  give  also  unto  the  rich 
liberal  hearts  towards  the  poor,  and  to  the  poor, 
grateful  hearts  towards  those  who  help  and  serve 
them  ;  to  the  end  that  every  one  acquitting  himself 
of  his  duty.  Thy  Holy  Name  may  thereby  be  mag- 
nified, and  the  kingdom  of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
enlarged,  in  whose  Name  we  conclude  our  prayers  : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
BE  Thy  name  :   Thy  kingdom  come  :   Thy  will 

BE  done  on  earth  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN:  GiVE 
us  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD  :  AND  FORGIVE 
US  OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS: 
AND  LEAD  US  NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER 
US  FROM  EVIL :  FOR  ThINE  IS  THE  KINGDOM,  AND 
THE   POWER,   AND   THE   GLORY,   FOR  EVER»     AmEN. 


VIII. 


Tlie  sermon  and  usual  prayers  being  ended,  the  Minister  presiding  shall  say : 

Beloved  brethren  :  it  is  known  unto  you  that  at 
three  separate  times,  has  been  published  to  you  the 
name  of  our  brother,  here  present,  to  learn  whether 
any  person  had  aught  to  allege  concerning  his  doc- 
trine or  life,  why  he  might  not  be  installed  Min- 
ister of  this  church  :  And  whereas  no  lawful  objec- 
tion has  been  presented,  we  shall,  therefore,  in  the 
Name  of  the  Lord,  proceed  to  his  installation. 

For  His  own  glory  in  the  salvation  of  men,  it 
hath  pleased  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  institute  va- 
rious offices  in  His  Church.  Accordingly,  it  is  de- 
clared in  Holy  Scripture,  that  our  ascended  Lord 
hath  given  "  some,  apostles,  and  some,  prophets,  and 
some,  evangelists,  and  some,  pastors  and  teachers, 
for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ." 
Of  these,  in  the  present  condition  of  the  Church, 
the  pastoral  office  is  the  first  both  in  dignity  and 

4  (73^ 


74 

responsibility.  It  is  instituted  by  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

It  belongs  to  the  Office  of  a  Minister  of  Christ  to 
present  the  worship  of  the  people  to  God ;  to  read 
the  Holy  Scriptures  in  the  public  service ;  to  feed 
the  flock  committed  to  his  charge  with  the  pure 
Gospel  of  Christ ;  to  administer  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ments agreeably  to  the  institution  of  Christ ;  to 
maintain  Christian  discipline  ;  to  comfort  them  that 
are  afflicted  in  mind,  body,  or  estate  ;  to  reclaim 
the  erring,  having  compassion  on  the  ignorant,  and 
on  them  that  are  out  of  the  way  ;  to  teach,  direct, 
counsel  as  a  father,  the  children  ;  and  thus,  in  all  vi- 
gilant and  faithful  service  to  make  full  proof  of  his 
ministry. 

In  the  discharge  of  these  holy  functions,  he  is 
entitled  to  the  respect,  gratitude,  love,  and  obedi- 
ence of  the  people  of  his  charge.  It  is  incumbent 
on  them  by  the  will  and  command  of  Him  that  sent 
him,  to  receive  him  as  the  ambassador  of  Christ. 
By  a  suitable  maintenance  to  enable  him  to  provide 
things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men  ;  to  keep  him 
free  of  distracting  care  ;  to  guard  jealously  his  re- 
putation ;  to  wait  on  his  ministry  with  reverence 
and  affection  ;  to  help  him  by  generous  sympathy, 
and  faithful  fellow- working  and  earnest  prayer;  to 
submit  to  his  guidance  ;  to  further  his  work,  and  to 
be  followers  of  him  as  he  is  of  Christ ;  as  the  holy 
Apostle  enjoins : 

**  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and 
submit  yourselves,  for  they  watch  for  your  souls  as 
they  that  must  give  account,  that  they  may  do  it 


75 

with  joy  and  not  with  grief;"  and  again,  "  We  be- 
seech you  to  know  them  which  labor  among  you, 
and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  to  esteem  them 
very  highly  in  love  for  their  work's  sake." 

To  the  end,  then,  beloved  Brother  and  fellow-Min- 
ister of  Christ,  that  it  may  appear  that  thou  art 
willing  to  take  the  oversight  of  this  flock  of  God, 
to  which  He  has  called  thee  in  His  holy  providence, 
we  demand  of  thee,  in  the  presence  of  God  and 
these  witnesses  : 

1.  Dost  thou  believe  the  books  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament  to  be  the  only  Word  of  God  and 
the  perfect  doctrine  unto  salvation,  and  dost  thou 
reject  all  doctrines  repugnant  thereto? 

2.  Dost  thou  promise  faithfully  to  discharge  thine 
office  according  to  the  same  doctrine,  and  to  adorn 
it  with  a  godly  life  ;  also  to  submit  thyself,  in  case 
thou  shouldst  become  deHnquent  either  in  life  or 
doctrine,  to  ecclesiastical  admonition,  according  to 
the  public  ordinance  of  the  churches  ? 

3.  Wilt  thou  with  the  help  of  God,  fulfil  all 
the  duty  of  a  faithful  Minister  of  Christ  to  this 
Church,  preaching  the  Word  of  God  in  sincerity, 
administering  the  Holy  Sacraments  in  purity  ;  main- 
taining proper  discipline  in  the  house  of  God  ;  and 
using  thy  whole  endeavor  to  promote  the  denomi- 
national work  and  welfare  of  the  Reformed  Church 
in  America? 

To  which  the  Minister  Elect  shall  give  answer : 

Yes,  truly,  with  all  my  heart. 


7^ 

Then  the  Minister  presiding  shall  say  : 

God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  hath  called  thee 
to  the  Holy  Ministry,  and  to  take  the  oversight  of 
this  Church,  enlighten  thee  with  His  Holy  Spirit ; 
strengthen  thee  with  His  hand  ;  and  so  govern  thee 
in  thy  Ministry,  that  thou  mayest  decently  and  fruit- 
fully walk  therein,  to  the  glory  of  His  Name,  and 
to  the  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  of  His  Son 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

The  Church  having  been  requested  to  arise,  the  Minister  Presiding  shall  say : 

Inasmuch,  Beloved  Brethren  and  Members  of  this 
Church,  as  this  most  solemn  procedure  of  investing 
our  brother  with  the  charge  and  oversight  of  you, 
involves,  as  well,  obligations  and  duties  on  your  part 
toward  him  :  I  ask  of  you  before  God  and  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ : 

1.  Do  you  hereby  receive,  in  the  Name  of  the 
Lord,  His  servant,  our  brother,  to  be  your  Min- 
ister ? 

2.  Do  you  promise  to  receive  the  word  of  truth 
from  his  lips  with  meekness  and  love ;  and  to  sub- 
mit to  him  in  the  due  discharge  of  his  Holy  Office  ? 

3.  Do  you  promise  to  give  him  all  proper  love 
and  obedience  in  the  Lord  ;  to  encourage  and  help 
him  in  his  holy  work ;  and  Jto  labor  with  him  in 
faith  and  prayer,  for  the  honor  of  Christ  and  the 
welfare  of  men  ? 

4.  Do  you  engage  to  continue  to  him,  while  he 
remains  your  Minister,  competent  worldly  main- 
tenance, as  you  have  promised,  and  whatever  else 


17 

the  honor  of  religion  and  his  comfort  among  you 
may  require  ? 

To  which  they  shall  give  answer  audibly : 

Yes! 

Then  the  Minister  Presiding  shall  exhort  the  installed  Minister  and  Congrega- 
tion in  the  following  manner  : 

Take  heed,  therefore,  beloved  brother,  and  fel^ 
low-servant  in  Christ,  unto  yourself  and  to  all  the 
flock,  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you 
Overseer,  to  feed  the  Church  of  God  which  He  hath 
purchased  with  His  own  blood  :  love  Christ,  and 
feed  His  sheep,  taking  the  oversight  of  them  not  by 
constraint,  but  willingly:  not  for  filthy  lucre,  but 
of  a  ready  mind;  neither  as  being  lord  over  God's 
heritage,  but  as  an  example  to  the  flock.  Be  an 
example  of  believers,  in  word,  in  conversation,  in 
charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.  Give  attend- 
ance to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  doctrine.  Neg- 
lect not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee  ;  meditate  upon 
these  things,  give  thyself  wholly  to  them,  that  thy 
profiting  may  appear  to  all :  take  heed  to  thy  doc- 
trine, and  continue  steadfast  therein.  Bear  patient- 
ly all  hardship,  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ, 
for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt  both  save  thyself  and 
them  that  hear  thee.  And  when  the  Chief  Shep- 
herd shall  appear,  thou  shalt  receive  a  crown  of 
glory  that  fadeth  not  away. 

And  you  likewise,  beloved  Christians,  receive 
this  your  Minister  in  the  Lord,  with  all  gladness, 
*'  and  hold  such  in  reputation.  "  Remember  that 
God  Himself,  through  him,  speaketh  unto  you  and 


78 

beseecheth  you.  Receive  the  Word,  which  he,  ac- 
cording to  the  Scripture,  shall  preach  unto  you, 
**  not  as  the  word  of  man,  but  (as  it  is  in  truth)  the 
Word  of  God."  Let  the  feet  of  those  that  preach 
the  Gospel  of  peace,  and  bring  glad  tidings  of  good 
things,  be  beautiful  and  pleasant  unto  you.  Obey 
them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit  your- 
selves ;  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that 
must  give  account,  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy 
and  not  with  grief;  for  that  is  unprofitable  for  you. 
If  you  do  these  things,  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that 
the  peace  of  God  shall  enter  into  your  houses,  and 
that  you  who  receive  this  man  in  the  name  of  a 
prophet,  shall  receive  a  prophet's  reward,  and 
through  his  preaching,  believing  in  Christ,  you  shall 
through  Christ  inherit  life  eternal. 

Since  no  man  is  of  himself  fit  for  any  of  these 
things,  let  us  call  upon  God  with  thanksgiving : 

PRAYER. 

Merciful  Father,  we  thank  Thee  that  it  pleaseth 
Thee,  by  the  ministry  of  men,  to  gather  a  Church 
to  Thyself  unto  life  eternal,  from  amongst  the  lost 
children  of  men.  We  bless  Thee  for  so  graciously 
providing  the  Church  in  this  place  with  a  faithful 
Minister.  We  beseech  Thee  to  quahfy  him  daily 
more  and  more  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  the  ministry 
to  which  Thou  hast  ordained  and  called  him.  En- 
lighten his  understanding  to  comprehend  Thy  Holy 
Word,  and  give  him  utterance,  that  he  may  boldly 
open  his  mouth,  to  make  known  and  dispense  the 


79 

mysteries  of  the  gospel.  Endue  him  with  wisdom 
and  valor,  to  rule  the  people  aright  over  whom  he 
is  set,  and  to  preserve  them  in  Christian  peace ;  to 
the  end  that  Thy  Church,  under  his  administration 
and  by  his  good  example,  may  increase  in  number 
and  in  virtue.  Grant  him  courage  to  bear  the  diffi- 
culties and  troubles  which  he  may  meet  with  in  his 
ministry,  that  being  strengthened  by  the  comfort 
of  Thy  Spirit,  he  may  remain  steadfast  to  the  end, 
and  be  received  with  all  faithful  servants  into  the 
joy  of  his  Master. 

Give  Thy  grace  also  to  this  people  and  Church, 
that  they  may  becomingly  deport  themselves  to- 
wards this  their  Minister ;  that  they  may  acknow- 
ledge him  to  be  sent  of  Thee ;  that  they  may  re- 
ceive his  doctrine  with  all  reverence,  and  submit 
themselves  to  his  exhortations  :  to  the  end  that  they 
may  by  his  word,  believing  in  Christ,  be  made  par- 
takers of  eternal  life.  Hear  us,  O  Father,  through 
Thy  Beloved  Son,  who  hath  thus  taught  us  to  pray  ; 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
BE  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :   Thy  will 

BE  DONE  ON  EARTH  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAYEN :  GiVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD  :  AND  FORGIVE  US 
OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS  :  And 
LEAD  US   NOT    INTO    TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER  US 

FROM  EVIL:    For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 

THE  POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 


IX. 

#flto  fyt  t|je  Wugm  ^^  tit  §$mtX'Mmt  0I  u 


The  Minister  ofllciating  will  begin  the  service  with  the  Salutation  : 

Grace  be  unto  you  and  peace  from  God  our 
Father,  and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

After  which  he  will  say  : 

Dearly  Beloved  :  We  are  here  assembled  in  the 
name  of  the  Triune  God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost,  to  lay  the  corner-stone  of  a  house  to  be 
erected  to  His  honor  and  service,  and  praise.  With- 
in its  walls  His  Holy  Name  is  to  be  worshipped.  His 
Holy  Gospel  is  to  be  preached,  and  His  Holy  Sac- 
raments administered.  Knowing  that  our  help  is 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Who  made  heaven  and  earth, 
let  us  lift  up  our  hearts  unto  Him  in  humble  sup- 
plication for  His  blessing. 

PRAYER. 

-    O  Almighty  God,  Who   hast  built  Thy  Church 
upon  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets, 
80 


8i 

Jesus  Christ  Himself  being  the  Chief  Corner- 
stone ;  direct  us  in  this  our  undertaking  with  Thy 
most  gracious  favor,  and  further  us  with  Thy  con- 
tinual help,  that  all  our  work  being  begun,  con- 
tinued, and  ended  in  Thee,  we  may  glorify  Thy 
Holy  Name ;  and  finally,  by  Thy  mercy,  obtain 
everlasting  life  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Then  shall  he  chanted  or  read  reeponsively  from  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Tes- 
tament : 

PSALM  87. 

1.  His  foundation  is  in  the  holy  mountains. 

2.  The  Lord  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more 

THAN  ALL  THE  DWELLINGS  OF  JaCOB. 

3.  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  O  city  of 
God. 

4.  I     WILL      MAKE      MENTION     OF     RaHAB     AND 

Babylon  to  them  that  know  me  :  behold 
Philistia  and  Tyre,  with  Ethiopia  :  this  man 
was  born  there. 

5.  And  of  Zion  it  shall  be  said.  This  and  that 
man  was  born  in  her :  and  the  Highest  Himself  shall 
establish  her. 

6.  The  Lord  shall  count,  when  He  writeth 
up  the  people  that  this  man  was  born  there. 

7.  As  well  the  singers  as  the  players  on  instru- 
ments shall  be  there  :  all  my  springs  are  in  Thee. 

And  from  the  Scriptures  of  the  New  Testament,  shall  he  read  : 

I  Ep.  of  St.  peter  2 ;  i^. 
I.  Wherefore,  laying  aside  all  malice,  and  all 


82 

guile,   and   hypocrisies,  and  envies,  and   all   evil- 
speakings, 

2.  As  new-born  babes,  desire  the  sincere  milk  of 
the  word,  that  ye  may  grow  thereby : 

3.  If  so  be  ye  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gra- 
cious : 

4.  To  Whom  coming,  as  unto  a  Living  Stone,  dis- 
allowed indeed  of  men,  but  chosen  of  God,  and  pre- 
cious : 

5.  Ye  also,  as  lively  stones,  are  built  up  a  spiritual 
house,  an  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up  spiritual  sac- 
rifices, acceptable  to  God  by  Jesus  Christ. 

6.  Wherefore  also,  it  is  contained  in  the  scripture : 
Behold,  I  lay  in  Sion  a  Chief  Corner-stone,  elect, 
precious  :  and  he  that  believeth  on  Him  shall  not  be 
confounded. 

7.  Unto  you  therefore  which  believe.  He  is  pre- 
cious: but  unto  them  which  be  disobedient,  the 
stone  which  the  builders  disallowed,  the  same  is 
made  the  Head  of  the  corner, 

8.  And  a  stone  of  stumbling,  and  a  rock  of 
offence,  even  to  them  which  stumble  at  the  word, 
being  disobedient ;  whereunto  also  they  were  ap- 
pointed. 

9.  But  ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a  royal  priest- 
hood, an  holy  nation,  a  peculiar  people;  that  ye 
should  shew  forth  the  praises  of  Him  who  hath  call- 
ed you  out  of  darkness  into  His  marvelous  light. 


Then,  any  euch  historical  or  descriptive  document  as  may  have  been  prepared 
to  he  deposited  in  the  Corner-stone  may  be  read,  and  the  stone  having  been 
set  in  its  place,  the  Minister,  laying  his  hand  upon  it,  or  striking  it  thrice 
with  a  mallet,  shall  say : 


83 

1  lay  the  Corner-stone  of  a  house  to  be  erected, 
and  devoted  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God  ;  in 
the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.    Amen. 

Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid 
which  is  Jesus  Christ. 

Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  they  labor  in 
vain  that  build  it. 

Then  shall  be  repeated,  in  unison,  the  Apostle's  Creed. 

I  BELIEVE  IN  God   the    Father   Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 
AND  in  Jesus  Christ  His  only  Son  our  Lord  ; 

WHO  WAS  CONCEIVED   BY  THE  HOLY  GhOST  ;    BORN 

OF  THE  Virgin  Mary  ;  suffered  under  Pontius 
Pilate  ;  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried  ;   He 

descended  into  hell  ;   THE  THIRD  DAY  He   ROSE 

again  from  the  dead  ;  He  ascended  into  heav- 
en;  AND    SITJETH  at   THE    RIGHT    HAND    OF    GOD 

THE  Father  Almighty;  from  thence  He  shall 
COME  TO  Judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holy 
Catholic  Church,  -the  communion  of  saints  ; 

THE  forgiveness  OF  SINS  ;   THE   RESURRECTION  OF 
THE    BODY;   AND    THE   LIFE  EVERLASTING.      AmEN. 

After  which  may  be  sung  a  hymn.    Then  may  follow  an 

ADD  RESS. 

After  which  shall  be  offered  the  concluding  prayer  : 

Blessed  be  Thy  Name,  O  Lord,  that  it  hath 
pleased  Thee  to  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  Thy  ser- 


84 

vants  to  commence  the  erection  of  a  house,  in 
which  Thy  Name  is  to  be  worshipped,  the  Glad 
Tidings  of  salvation  proclaimed,  and  Thy  Holy  Sac- 
raments administered.  Prosper  them,  O  Lord, 
in  this  their  undertaking.  Keep  and  preserve  by 
Thy  providence  unto  the  end,  the  work,  which  is 
now  begun  in  Thy  fear.  Excite  the  skill  and  ani- 
mate the  industry  of  the  workmen.  Shield  them 
from  accident  and  danger.  And  grant  unto  them, 
and  unto  all  of  us  here  present,  the  influences  of 
Thy  Divine  Spirit,  so  that  we  may  become  in  soul 
and  body,  living  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
be  prepared  for  that  eternal  city  which  hath  foun- 
dations, whose  Builder  and  Maker  is  God.  All 
which  we  ask  through  the  abundant  merits  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  Who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  One 
God,  world  without  end. 

Our    Father  who    art    in    heaven,    Hal- 
lowed BE  Thy  name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy 

WILL  be  done  on  earth  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN  :  GiVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD:  AND  FORGIVE' US 
OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS:  AND 
LEAD    US   NOT  INTO   TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER   US 

FROM  EVIL :   For  Thine  is   the  kingdom,  and 

THE  POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 

BENEDICTION. 


X. 


#lfto  Ux  ttt  §t&imilm  tit  n  ^$nm  M  WmMv^ 


The  usual  Order  of  Service  for  the  Lord's  Day  having  been  observed  until 
after  the  reading  of  the  Commandments,  the  following  Lessons  from  Holy  Scrip- 
ture shall  then  be  read  : 

I. — From  the  Psalter 

The  Minister  and  People  reading  responsively. 

Psalm  XXIV. 

The  earth  zs  the  Lord's,  and  flie  fulness  thereof;  the  world, 
and  they  that  dwell  therein. 

For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  seas,  and  estab- 
lished IT  upon  the  floods. 

Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  ?  or  who  shall 
stand  in  His  holy  place  ? 

He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart  ;  who 

hath    not   lifted   up  his   soul  unto  VANITY,  NOR  SWORN 
DECEITFULLY. 

He  shair  receive  the  blessing  from  the  LORD,  and  righteous- 
ness from  the  God  of  his  salvation. 
This  is  the  generation  of  them  that  seek  Him,  that 

SEEK  THY  FACE,  O  JACOB,  SELAH, 

Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates  ;  and  be  ye  lifted  up,  ye  ever- 
lasting doors  ;   and  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

Who  is  this  King  of  glory  ?  The  Lord  strong  and 
mighty,  the  lord  mighty  in  battle. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates ;  even  lift  fAem  up,  ye  everlast- 
ing doors  ;  and  the  King  of  glory  shall  come  in.  . 

Who  is  this  King  of  Glory  ?  The  Lord  of  hosts,  He 
IS  THE  King  of  Glory. 

(8s) 


86 

Psalm  CXXXII. 

1.  Lord,  remember  David,  and  sW  his  afflictions  : 

2.  How  HE  SWARE  UNTO  THE  LORD,  AND  VOWED  UNTO 
THE  MIGHTY  GOD  OF  JACOB  ; 

3.  Surely  I  will  not  come  into  the  tabernacle  of  my  house,  nor 
go  up  into  my  bed  ; 

4.  I  WILL  NOT  GIVE  SLEEP  TO  MINE  EYES,  OR  SLUMBER 
TO  MINE  EYELIDS, 

5.  Until  I  find  out  a  place  for  the  Lord,  a  habitation  for  the 
mighty  God  of  Jacob. 

6.  LO,  WE  HEARD  OF  IT  AT  EpHRATAH  :  WE  FOUND  IT  IN 
THE  FIELDS  OF  THE  WOOD. 

7.  We  will  go  into  His  tabernacles ;  we  will  worship  at  His 
footstool. 

8.  Arise,  O  Lord,  into  thy  rest  :  thou,  and  the  ark 

OF  Thy  STRENGTH. 

9.  Let  Thy  priests  be  clothed  with  righteousness  ;  and  let  Thy 
saints  shout  for  joy. 

10.  For  Thy  servant  David's  sake  turn  not  away 
The  face  of  Thine  Anointed. 

11.  The  Lord  hath  sworn  in  truth  unto  David;  He  will  not 
turn  from  it ;  Of  the  fruit  of  thy  body  will  I  set  upon  thy  throne. 

12.  If  THY  CHILDREN  will  KEEP  MY  COVENANT  AND  MY 
testimony  that  I  SHALL  TEACH  THEM,  THEIR  CHILDREN 
SHALL  ALSO  SIT  UPON  THY  THRONE  FOR  EVERMORE. 

13.  For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion ;  He  hath  desired //for 
His  habitation. 

14.  This  is  my  rest  for  ever  :  here  will  I  dwell 

for  I  HAVE  desired   IT. 

1 5.  I  will  abundantly  bless  her  provision ;  I  will  satisfy  her 
poor  with  bread. 

16.  I  WILL  ALSO  CLOTHE  HER  PRIESTS  WITH  SALVATION: 
AND   HER  SAINTS  SHALL  SHOUT  ALOUD  FOR  JOY. 

17.  There  will  I  make  the  horn  of  David  to  bud  :  I  have  or- 
dained a  lamp  for  Mine  anointed. 

18.  His  ENEMIES  WILL  I  CLOTHE  WITH  SHAME  I  BUT 
UPON  HIMSELF  SHALL  HIS  CROWN  FLOURISH. 


87 

II.— From  the  Old  Testament: 
Exod.  40 :  17-38  ;  or,  i  Kings,  9  :  1-9. 

III. — From  the  New  Testament: 
Heb.  13  :  10-21  ;  or,  Rev.  21  :  10-27. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Dearly  Beloved  in  the  Lord:  God  our 
Heavenly  Father,  having  in  His  grace,  which  is  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  brought  to  its  consumma- 
tion our  work  of  preparing  a  house  for  His  worship, 
and  the  honor  of  His  Holy  Name ;  within  whose 
walls  His  Holy  Gospel  is  to  be  truly  preached  and 
His  Holy  Sacraments  are  to  be  faithfully  adminis- 
tered ;  we  are  now  gathered  in  His  Holy  presence 
for  the  purpose  of  devoting  it  by  a  solemn  act  of 
worship  to  its  proper  and  sacred  use.  I  call  upon 
you,  therefore,  to  arise,  and  before  the  Lord,  to  unite 
in  this  act  of  dedication,  confessing  first,  devoutly, 
our  holy  faith. 

The  people  uniting  audibly  with  the  Minister. 

I  BELIEVE  IN  God  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ; 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  only  Son,  our 
Lord  ;  Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost  ; 

BORN    OF    THE  VIRGIN   MaRY  ;     SUFFERED    UNDER 

Pontius    Pilate  ;    was    crucified,    dead    and 

BURIED  ;    He   descended  into    hell  ;   THE    THIRD 

DAY  He  rose  again  from  the  dead;  He  as- 


88 

CENDED  INTO  HEAVEN,  AND  SITTETH  AT  THE  RIGHT 
HAND  OF  God  THE  FATHER  ALMIGHTY:  FrOM 
THENCE  He  SHx\LL  COME  TO  JUDGE  THE  QUICK 
AND  THE  DEAD. 

I    BELIEVE    IN    THE    HOLY   GhOST  ;     THE    HOLY 

Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  Saints  ; 

THE  forgiveness  OF  SINS ;  THE  RESURRECTION  OF 
the  body  ;   AND  THE  LIFE  EVERLASTING.      AmEN. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  offer  the 

PRAYER    OF    DEDICATION. 

The  People  uniting  audibly  in  the  responses,  which  are  printed  in  small  capi- 
tals. 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  Who 
art,  and  wast,  and  art  to  come,  the  whole  earth  is 
full  of  Thy.glory  !  Thine,  O  Lord,  is  the  greatness, 
and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  and  the  victory,  and 
the  majesty  ;  for  all  that  is  in  the  heaven  and  in  the 
earth  is  Thine:  Now,  therefore,  we  thank  Thee,  O 
God,  and  praise  Thy  glorious  Name. 

But  who  are  we,  that  we  should  be  able  to  offer 
so  willingly  after  this  sort  ?  For  all  things  come  ot 
Thee,  and  of  Thine  own  do  we  give  Thee.  O 
Lord  our  God,  all  this  store  that  we  have  prepared 
to  build  Thee  an  house  for  Thine  Holy  Name, 
cometh  of  Thine  hand  and  is  all  Thine  own. 

Now  behold,  O  Lord  our  God,  and  look  unto 
this  place  where  we  are  gathered  in  Thy  Name  ; 
and  have  respect  to  the  prayer  of  Thy  servants  and 
to  their  supplication,  to  hearken  unto  the  cry  and 


89 

the  prayer  that  Thy  servants  pray  before  Thee  this 
day,  to  take  this  house  for  Thine  Own. 

Holy,  Blessed,  and  Glorious  Trinity,  Three  Per- 
sons in  One  God, 

To  Thee  we  dedicate  it. 

Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Our  Father 
Who  art  in  Heaven, 

To  Thee  we  dedicate  it. 

Son  of  God,  the  Only  Begotten  of  the  Father, 
Head  of  the  Body,  which  is  the  Church  ;  Head 
over  all  things  to  the  Church  ;  Prophet,  Priest  and 
King  of  Thy  people. 

To  Thee  we  dedicate  it. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost,  proceeding  from  the  Father 
and  the  Son ;  given  to  be  our  abiding  Teacher, 
Sanctifier,  and  Comforter ;  Lord  and  Giver  of  Life, 

To  Thee  WE  dedicate  it. 

Arise,  O  Lord,  into  Thy  rest,  Thou  and  the  ark 
of  Thy  strength.  Let  Thy  priests  be  clothed  with 
righteousness,  and  let  Thy  people  shout  for  joy. 
Put  Thy  Name  in  this  place.  Sanctify  it  by  Thy 
presence  and  Thy  constant  abiding.  Give  power 
and  efficacy  to  Thy  Gospel  preached  in  it,  and 
Thy  Sacraments  administered  in  it.  Let  Thine 
eyes  be  opened  towards  it ;  and  hearken  unto  the 
supplications  of  Thy  people  when  they  pray  in  this 
place,  and  hear  Thou  in  Heaven  Thy  dwelling- 
place,  and  when  Thou  hearest,  forgive.  And  from 
this  outer  court  of  Thy  Holy  Sanctuary  bring  Thy 
people  and  their  children  into  the  true  tabernacle 
which  the  Lord  pitched,  and  not  man  ;  the  heaven- 
ly temple,  of  which  the  Lord  God  Almighty  and  the 
Lamb  are  the  light.     We  ask  and  offer  all  in  the 


90 

Name  of  Thy  Son  our  Saviour,  Who  hath  taught 
us  to  pray  :  * 

Our  Father,  Who  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed 
BE  Thy  Name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 

BE  DONE  on  earth,  As  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN:  GiVE 
US  THIS  DAY  OUR  DAILY  BREAD  :  AnD  FORGIVE 
US  OUR  DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS; 
AND  LEAD  US  NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER 
US  FROM  EVIL:  FOR  THINE  IS  THE  KINGDOM,  AND 
THE  POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 

Then  shall  follow  the  usual   Order  of  Service,  beginning  with  the  Hymn 
before  the  Sermon. 


XI. 


Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord  Who  made 
heaven  and  earth. 

The  Minister  ebuU  say  to  all  present : 

Dearly  Beloved, 

We  are  assembled,  in  the  sight  of  God,  to  join 
together  this  man  and  this  woman  in  the  bonds  of 
Marriage  :  which  is  an  honorable  estate,  instituted 
of  God  in  the  time  of  man's  innocency,  confirmed 
by  the  teaching  of  our  Blessed  Saviour,  and  com- 
pared by  St.  Paul  to  the  mystical  union  which  sub- 
sists between  Christ  and  His  Church. 

Into  this  holy  estate  these  two  persons  are  come 
to  be  joined.  Therefore,  if  any  man  can  show  any 
just  cause  why  they  may  not  lawfully  be  joined 
together,  let  him  now  declare  it,  or  else,  hereafter, 
for  ever  hold  his  peace. 

And  to  those  who  come  to  be  married  : 

I  charge  you,  each  and  both,  as  )^e  shall  answer  to 
Him  Who  will  judge  both  quick  and  dead,  if  either 

(90 


92 

of  you  know  any  reason  wh}^  ye  may  not  lawfully 
be  joined  together  in  marriage,  declare  it  now.  For, 
be  well-  assured  that  all  those  who  are  brought  to- 
gether contrary  to  the  Word  of  God  are  not  joined 
together  of  God,  neither  is  their  marriage  lawful. 

If  no  sufficient  impediment  be  alleged,  the  Minister  shall  say : 

Hear  now  what  Holy  Scripture  doth  teach,  as 
touching  the  duty  of  husbands  to  their  wives,  and 
of  wives  to  their  husbands : 

Husbands  love  your  wives,  even  as  Christ  also 
loved  the  Church,  and  gave  Himself  for  it,  that  He 
might  sanctify  and  cleanse  it  with  the  washing  of 
water  by  the  Word.  So  ought  men  to  love  their 
wives  as  their  own  bodies.  He  that  loveth  his  wife 
loveth  himself.  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave 
his  father  and  mother  and  shall  be  joined  unto  his 
wife,  and  they  two  shall  be  one  flesh.    And, 

Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your  own  hus- 
bands as  unto  the  Lord.  For  the  husband  is  the 
head  of  the  wife,  even  as  Christ  is  the  Head  of  the 
Church.  And  He  is  the  Saviour  of  the  body.  And 
again  He  saith.  Let  the  wife  see  that  she  reverence 
her  husband. 

LET   us   PRAY. 

O  Most  Holy  and  Most  Merciful  Lord  God !  we 
beseech  Thee  for  these.  Thy  servant  and  handmaid 
that  they  may,  with  a  reverent  trust  in  Thee,  enter 
into  the  Covenant  of  Marriage,  as  they  now  pro- 
pose, and  truly  keep  all  the  vows  which  they  are 
about  to  make,  according  to  Thy  Word.  Grant 
this,  O  Father,  with  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins, 
through  Christ  Thy  Son.    Amen. 


93 

Then  the  Minister  Bhall  bid  the  man  and  the  woman  join  their  right  hands  ; 
which  being  done,  he  shall  say  to  the  man  : 

Dost  thou, ,  take    this   woman,- 

before  God  and  these  witnesses,  to  be  thy  wedded 
wife  ? 

The  man  shall  answer,  I  DO. 

Wilt  thou  love  her,  comfort  her,  honor  and  keep 
her  in  sickness  and  in  health,  and  forsaking  every 
other,cleave  to  her  only,  so  long  as  ye  both  shall  live  ? 

The  man  shall  answer,  I  WILL. 

To  the  woman : 

Dost  thou, ,  take  this  man, ,  be- 
fore God  and  these  witnesses  to  be  thy  wedded 
husband  ? 

The  woman  shall  answer,  I  DO. 

Wilt  thou  love,  honor,  reverence,  and  keep  him, 
in  sickness  and  in  health,  and  forsaking  every  other, 
cleave  to  him  only,  so  long  as  ye  both  shall  live  ? 

The  woman  shall  answer,  I  WILL. 

Then  when  a  ring  is  used,  the  Minister  shall  guide  the  hand  of  the  man  to 
put  the  ring  on  the  third  finger  of  the  woman's  left  hand,  and  holding  it 
there,  the  man  shall  say,  after  the  Minister : 

With  this  ring  I  thee  wed ;  in  the  !Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Amen. 

Then  taking  their  clasped  right  hands  in  his  hand,  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Forasmuch   as  you ,  and   you , 

have  consented  together,  after  God's  Holy  Ordi- 
nance of  Marriage ;  and  have  plighted  your  faith 
and  truth  to  each  other  in  the  presence  of  God  and 


94 

of  these  witnesses ;  and  have  confirmed  the  same  by 
giving  and  receiving  a  ring ;  now,  therefore,  I  pro- 
nounce you  husband  and  wife.  In  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 

Whom,  therefore  God  hath  joined  together,  let 
not  man  put  asunder. 

LET   US   PRAY. 

O  Faithful  God,  who  keepest  covenant  and  truth 
with  them  that  love  Thee,  hear  Thou  in  heaven 
Thy  dwelling-place,  this  marriage-vow  which  Thy 
servant  and  handmaid  have  vowed  before  Thee- 
And  grant  unto  them  the  grace  of  Thy  Good  Spirit, 
that  with  all  fidelity  they  may  observe  and  keep  it ; 
walking  together  in  Thy  faith  and  fear ;  being  led 
by  the  Angel  of  Thy  presence,  and  strengthened  by 
Thy  hand,  until  they  come  to  the  inheritance  of  the 
saints  in  light :  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  Who 
has  commanded  us  to  pray,  saying : 

Our  Father  who  art  in  Heaven,  Hallowed 
BE  Thy  Name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 

BE  done  on  earth,  AS  IT  IS  IN  HEAVEN  :  GiVE  US 
this  day  our  daily  BREAD  :  AND  FORGIVE  US  OUR 
DEBTS,  AS  WE  FORGIVE  OUR  DEBTORS  :  AnD  LEAD 
US   NOT   INTO    TEMPTATION,  BUT  DELIVER  US  FROM 

EVIL:    FOR  Thine    is    the    kingdom,  and  the 

POWER,  AND  the  GLORY,  FOR  EVER,      AmEN. 
And  the  Minister  sliall  pronounce  over  them  this  Benediction  : 

The  blessing  of  God  Almighty,  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  upon  you,  and  remain 
with  you  always.     Amen. 


XII. 


On  entering  the  church,  the  Minister  may  use  the  following  Sentences. 

Or,  if  all  the  services  be  performed  at  the  house,  he  may  begin  with  these  Sen- 
tences. 

I  AM  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life,  saith  the 
Lord ;  he  that  believeth  in  Me,  though  he  were 
dead,  yet  shall  he  live :  aj:id  whosoever  liveth  and 
believeth  in  Me,  shall  never  die. 

None  of  us  liveth  to  himself,  and  no  man  dieth 
to  himself;  for  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the 
Lord,  and  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord  : 
whether  we  live  therefore  or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's. 
For  to  this  end  Christ  both  died  and  rose,  and  re- 
vived, that  He  might  be  Lord  both  of  the  dead  and 
living. 

We  brought  nothing  into  this  world,  and  it  is 
certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out. 

The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  ; 
blessed  be  the  Name  of  the  Lord. 

Then  may  be  read,  or  chanted. 

PSALM    XC. 

I.  Lord,  Thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place  in 
all  generations. 

(95) 


96 

2.  Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or 
ever  Thou  hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 
even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  Thou  art  God. 

3.  Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction ;  and  sayest, 
Return,  ye  children  of  men. 

4.  For  a  thousand  years  in  Thy  sight  are  but  as 
yesterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as  a  watch  in  the 
night. 

5.  Thou  earnest  them  away  as  with  a  flood  ;  they 
are  as  a  sleep :  in  the  morning  they  are  like  grass 
which  groweth  up. 

6.  In  the  morning  it  flourisheth,  and  groweth  up, 
in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  and  withereth. 

7.  For  we  are  consumed  by  Thine  anger,  and  by 
Thy  wrath  are  we  troubled. 

8.  Thou  hast  set  our  iniquities  before  Thee,  our 
secret  sins  in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance. 

9.  For  all  our  days  are  passed  away  in  Thy  wrath : 
we  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told. 

10.  The  days  of  our  years  are  threescore  years 
and  ten  ;  and  if  by  reason  of  strength  they  be  four- 
score years,  yet  is  their  strength,  labor  and  sorrow ; 
for  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly  away. 

11.  Who  knoweth  the  power  of  Thine  anger? 
even  according  to  Thy  fear,  so  is  Thy  wrath. 

12.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

Then  the  Minister  shall  eay  : 

Hear  the  Word  of  God  as  it  is  written  in  the  fifteenth  chapter  of  St.  Paul's  first 
Epistle  to  the  Corinthians,  beginning  with  the  thirty-fifth  verse : 

But  some  man  will  say,  How  are  the  dead  raised 
up  ?  and  with  what  body  do  they  come  ?    Thou  fool, 


97 

that  which  thou  sovvest  is  not  quickened  except  it 
die:  And  that  which  thou  sowest,  thou  sowest  not 
that  body  that  shall  be,  but  bare  grain ;  it  may 
chance  of  wheat,  or  of  some  other  grain :  But  God 
giveth  it  a  body  as  it  hath  pleased  Him,  and  to 
every  seed  his  own  body.  All  flesh  is  not  the  same 
flesh  ;  but  there  is  one  kind  of  flesh  of  men,  another 
flesh-of  beasts,  another  of  fishes,  and  another  of  birds. 
,  There  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies  terrestrial : 
but  the  glory  of  the  celestial  is  one,  and  the  glory  of 
the  terrestrial  is  another.  There  is  one  glory  of  the 
sun,  and  another  glory  of  the  moon,  and  another 
glory  of  the  stars  ;  for  one  star  differeth  from  another 
star  in  glory.  So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the 
dead.  It  is  sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  in  in- 
corruption  ;  It  is  sown  in  dishonor,  it  is  raised  in 
glory  :  it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in  power : 
It  is  sown  a  natural  body,  it  is  raised  a  spiritual 
body.  There  is  a  natural  body,  and  there  is  a  spirit- 
ual body.  And  so  it  is  written,  The  first  man  Adam 
was  made  a  living  soul ;  the  last  Adam  was  made  a 
Quickening  Spirit.  Howbeit,  that  was  not  first 
which  is  spiritual,  but  that  which  is  natural ;  and 
afterward  that  which  is  spiritual.  The  first  man  is 
of  the  earth,  earthy:  the  second  Man  is  the  Lord 
from  heaven.  As  is  the  earthy,  such  are  they  also 
that  are  earthy :  and  as  is  the  Heavenly,  such  are 
they  also  that  are  heavenly.  And  as  we  have  borne 
the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  im- 
age of  the  Heavenly.  Now  this  I  say,  brethren, 
that  flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of 
God  ;  neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incorruption. 
5 


98 

Behold,  I  show  you  a  mystery ;  we  shall  not  all 
sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed,  in  a  moment,  in 
the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump :  for  the 
trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall  be  raised 
incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be  changed.  For  this 
corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mor- 
tal must  put  on  immortality.  So  when  this  corrup- 
tible shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mor- 
tal shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be. 
brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  Death  is 
swallowed  up  in  victory.  O  death,  where  is  thy 
sting  ?  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  The  sting  of 
death  is  sin  ;  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law.  But 
thanks  be  to  God,  Which  giveth  us  the  victory, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Therefore,  my  be- 
loved brethren,  be  ye  steadfast,  unmovable,  always 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  ;  forasmuch  as 
ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

[for  a  child.] 

Hear  the  Gospel  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  in  reference  to  little  children. 

And  they  brought  young  children  to  Him,  that 
He  should  touch  them  ;  and  His  disciples  rebuked 
those  that  brought  them.  But  when  Jesus  saw  it 
He  was  much  displeased,  and  said  unto  them, 
Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  Me,  and  for- 
bid them  not;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 
Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever  shall  not  receive 
the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not 
enter  therein.  And  He  took  them  up  in  His  arms, 
put  His  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them. 

Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these  little 


99 

ones  ;  for  I  say  unto  you,  that  in  heaven  their 
angels  do  always  behold  the  face  of  My  Father 
which  is  in  heaven. 

For  the  Son  of  Man  is  come  to  save  that  which 
was  lost.  How  think  ye  ?  If  a  man  have  a  hundred 
sheep,  .and  one  of  them  be  gone  astray,  doth  he  not 
leave  the  ninety  and  nine,  and  goeth  into  the  moun- 
tains and  seeketh  that  which  is  gone  astray  ?  And 
if  so  be  that  he  find  it,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  he  re- 
joiceth  more  of  that  sheep,  than  of  the  ninety  and 
nine  which  went  not  astray.  Even  so,  it  is  not  the 
will  of  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven,  that  one  of 
these  little  ones  should  perish. 

Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God,  and 
serve  Him  day  and  night  in  His  temple :  and  He 
that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them. 
They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any 
more  ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any 
heat.  For  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the 
throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto 
living  fountains  of  waters :  and  God  shall  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  their  eyes. 

The  Lord  gave  ;  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  ; 
blessed  be  the  Name  of  the  Lord. 

After  the  reading  of  Holy  Scripture  the  Minister  shall  say  : 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  Most  Merciful  God,  the  conso- 
lation of  the  sorrowful,  and  the  support  of  the  weary, 
Who  dost  not  willingly  grieve  or  afflict  the  children 
of  men  ;  look  down  in  tender  love  and  pity,  we  be- 
seech   Thee,  upon   Thy  servants,  this    bereaved 


lOO 

household,  whose  joy  is  turned  into  mourning;  and 
according  to  the  multitude  of  Thy  mercies  be 
pleased  to  uphold,  strengthen,  and  comfort  them, 
that  they  may  not  faint  under  Thy  Fatherly  chast- 
ening, but  find  in  Thee  their  strength  and  refuge  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 
Our  Father,  etc. 

Then  may  follow  an  ADDRESS. 

After  which  the  Minister  shall  say  :    Let  US  pray. 

Almighty  God,  with  Whom  do  live  the  spirits  of 
those  who  depart  hence  in  the  Lord,  and  with  Whom 
the  souls  of  the  faithful,  after  they  are  delivered 
from  the  burden  of  the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and  felicity  ; 
we  give  Thee  hearty  thanks  for  the  good  examples 
of  all  those  Thy  servants,  who,  having  finished  their 
course  in  faith,  do  now  rest  from  their  labors.  And 
we  beseech  Thee,  that  we,  with  all  those  who  are 
departed  in  the  true  faith  of  Thy  Holy  Name,  may 
have  our  perfect  consummation  and  bliss,  both  in 
body  and  soul,  in  Th}^  eternal  and  everlasting 
glory  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  THOU  Ever-Blessed  Mediator,  Who  wast 
dead,  but  livest  forever,  of  Whom  the  whole  family 
in  heaven  and  earth  is  named,  and  Who  hast  knit  all 
Thy  saints  in  one  communion  unto  life  eternal,  in 
that  mystical  Body  of  which  Thou  art  the  glorious 
and  ever-Hving  Head  ;  grant  us  grace  so  to  follow 
Thy  blessed  saints,  who  have  gone  before  us,  in  the 
faith  and  fellowship  of  Thy  Holy  Church,  that  we 
may  come  to  those  unspeakable  joys,  which  Thou 
hast  prepared  for  all  that  love  Thee,  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world.     Amen. 


lOI 

O  God,  Whose  days  are  without  end,  and  Whose 
mercies  cannot  be  numbered  ;  make  us,  we  beseech 
Thee,  deeply  sensible  of  the  shortness  and  uncer- 
tainty of  human  life  ;  and  let  Thy  Holy  Spirit  lead 
us  through  this  vale  of  misery,  in  holiness  and  right- 
eousness all  the  days  of  our  lives:  that  when  we 
shall  have  served  Thee  in  our  generation,  we  may 
be  gathered  unto  our  fathers,  having  the  testimony 
of  a  good  conscience;  in  the  communion  of  the 
Christian  Church  ;  in  the  confidence  of  a  certain 
faith ;  in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable,  religious,  and 
holy  hope ;  in  favor  with  Thee  our  God,  and  in 
perfect  charity  with  the  world :  all  which  we  ask 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Then  standing  near  the  coffin,  or  having  reached  the  place  of  burial,  the  Min- 
ister will  say  : 

In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death  ! 
What  helper  shall  we  seek  but  Thee,  O  Lord, 
Who  because  of  our  sins  art  justly  angry  ! 
O  Holy  God,   Holy  and  Strong,  Holy  and  Com- 
passionate Saviour, 

Give  us  not  over  to  bitter  death  I 

Then,  while  the  earth  shall  he  cast  upon  the  body  by  some  standing  by,  the 
Minister  will  say : 

Forasmuch  as  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God  to 
take  out  of  this  world  the  soul  of  our  departed 
brother^  we  therefore  commit  his  body  to  the 
ground ;  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to 
dust ;  looking  for  the  general  Resurrection  in  the 
last  day,  and  the  Life  of  the  world  to  come,  through 


X 


102 

our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  at  Whose  second  coming  in 
glorious  majesty  to  judge  the  world,  the  earth  and 
the  sea  shall  give  up  their  dead  ;  and  the  corrupti- 
ble bodies  of  those  who  sleep  in  Him  shall  be 
changed,  and  made  like  unto  His  glorious  body  ; 
according  to  the  working  whereby  He  is  able  even 
to  subdue  all  things  unto  Himself. 

I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  He 
shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the  earth.  And 
though  after  my  skin  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet 
in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God ;  Whom  I  shall  see  for 
myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and  not  another. 

I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant,  brethren, 
concerning  them  which  are  asleep,  that  ye  sorrow 
not,  even  as  others  which  have  no  hope.  For  if  we 
believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so 
them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with 
Him. 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  God,  who  by  the  death  of  Thy  dear 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  destroyed  death  ;  by  His  rest 
in  the  tomb  hast  sanctified  the  graves  of  the  saints ; 
and  by  His  glorious  resurrection  has  brought  life 
and  immortality  to  light :  receive,  we  beseech  Thee 
our  unfeigned  thanks  for  that  victory  over  death 
and  the  grave  which  He  has  obtained  for  us  and 
for  all  who  sleep  in  Him  ;  and  keep  us  in  everlast- 
ing fellowship  with  all  that  wait  for  Thee  on  earth, 
and  with  all  that  are  around  Thee  in  heaven ;  in 


103 

union  with  Him  who  is  the  Resurrection  and  the 
Life  ;  Who  Hveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  ever  One  God,  world  without  end. 

Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly  Father,  who,  in 
Thy  perfect  wisdom  and  mercy,  hast  ended  for  Thy 
servants  departed  the  voyage  of  this  troublous  life  ; 
Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  we  who  are  still  to 
continue  our  course  amidst  earthly  dangers,  temp- 
tations, and  troubles,  may  evermore  be  protected 
by  Thy  mercy ;  and  finally  come  to  the  haven  of 
eternal  salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love 
of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
with  you  all,  evermore.     Amen.' 


XIII. 


A  PRAYER  BEFORE  THE  EXPLANATION  OF  THE 
CATECHISM. 

O  Heavenly  Father,  Thy  Word  is  perfect,  con- 
verting the  soul ;  a  sure  testimony,  making  wise  the 
simple,  enlightening  the  eyes  of  the  bHnd  :  and  a 
powerful  means  unto  salvation,  for  all  those  who 
believe.  And  whereas  we  are  not  only  blind  by 
nature,  but  even  incapable  of  doing  any  good  :  and 
also  since  Thou  wilt  help  none  but  those  who  are 
of  a  broken  and  contrite  heart ;  we  beseech  Thee 
to  enlighten  our  understanding  with  Thy  Holy 
Spirit,  and  give  us  a  meek  heart,  free  from  all 
haughtiness  and  carnal  knowledge,  that  we,  hear- 
ing Thy  Word,  may  rightly  understand  it,  and  re- 
gulate our  life  accordingly.  Be  graciously  pleased 
to  convert  all  those  who  still  stray  from  Thy  truth, 
that  we  may,  together  with  them,  unanimously 
serve  Thee  in  true  holiness  and  righteousness  all 
the  days  of  our  life. 

We  crave  all  these  things  for  Christ's  sake,  who 
(104) 


105 

hath  thus  taught  us  to  pray  in  His  Name,  and  pro- 
mised to  hear  us : 

Our  Father  Who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
BE  Thy  Name  :  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 
be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven:  Give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread:  and  forgive 
us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors  : 
And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 

US  FROM  EVIL:    FOR  ThINE   IS   THE  KINGDOM,  AND 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  FOR  EVER.      AmEN. 

A     PRAYER     AFTER     THE     EXPLANATION    OF     THE 
CATECHISM. 

O  Gracious  God  and  Merciful  Father,  we  give 
Thee  hearty  thanks  that  it  hath  pleased  Thee,  not 
only  to  take  us,  but  also  our  little  children,  into 
Thy  covenant,  which  Thou  hast  not  only  sealed  un- 
to them,  by  Holy  Baptism,  but  also  daily  showest, 
when  Thou  perfectest  Thy  praise  out  of  their 
mouths,  thus  to  cause  the  wise  of  the  world  to 
blush.  We  beseech  Thee,  increase  Thy  grace  in 
them,  that  they  may  always  grow  and  increase  in 
Christ  Thy  Son ;  till  they  acquire  their  perfect 
manly  age  in  all  knowledge  and  righteousness. 
Give  us  grace  that  we  maj^  educate  them,  as  Thou 
hast  commanded  us,  in  Thy  knowledge  and  fear,  so 
that  by  their  godliness  the  kingdom  of  Satan  may 
be  destroyed,  and  the  Kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ 
strengthened  in  this  and  other  congregations,  to 
the  glory  of  Thy  Holy  Name,  and  to  their  eternal 
salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 
5* 


io6 


A   PRAYER  AT  THE   OPENING  OF    THE    CONSISTORY. 

Heavenly  Father,  Eternal  and  Merciful  God,  it 
hath  pleased  Thee  of  Thy  infinite  wisdom  and  good- 
ness to  gather  a  Church  to  Thyself  out  of  all  na- 
tions upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  by  the  preaching 
of  Thy  Holy  Gospel,  and  to  govern  the  same  by  the 
service  of  men.  Thou  hast  also  graciously  called 
us  up  to  this  office,  and  commanded  us  to  take  heed 
unto  ourselves  and  unto  the  flock,  which  Christ 
hath  bought  with  His  precious  blood.  Since  we  are 
at  this  present  assembled  in  Thy  Holy  Name,  after 
the  example  of  the  Apostolic  Churches,  to  consult, 
as  our  office  requires,  about  those  things  which 
may  come  before  us,  for  the  welfare  and  edification 
of  Thy  Church,  for  which  we  acknowledge  our- 
selves to  be  unfit  and  incapable,  as  we  are  by  nature 
unable  of  ourselves  to  think  any  good,  much  less 
to  put  it  in  practice :  therefore,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
Faithful  God  and  Father,  that  Thou  wilt  be  pleased 
to  be  present  with  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  according  to 
Thy  promise,  in  the  midst  of  our  present  assembly, 
to  guide  us  in  all  truth.  Remove  from  us  all  misap- 
prehensions and  unbecoming  desires  of  the  flesh, 
and  grant  that  Thy  Holy  Word  may  be  the  only 
rule  and  guide  of  all  our  consultations  ;  that  they 
may  tend  to  the  glory  of  Thy  Name,  to  the  edifica- 
tion of  Thy  Church,  and  to  the  discharge  of 
our  own  consciences,  through  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son, 
who  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Only  True 
God,  is  eternally  to  be  praised  and  magnified. 
Amen. 


I07 


A   PRAYER  AT  THE   CLOSE   OF  THE   CONSISTORY. 

O  Lord  God  and  Heavenly  Father,  we  heartily 
thank  Thee,  that  Thou  hast  been  pleased  to  gather 
a  Church  to  Thyself  in  this  part  of  the  world,  and 
to  use  our  service  therein,  granting-  us  the  privi- 
lege that  we  may  freely  and  without  hindrance 
preach  Thy  Holy  Gospel,  and  exercise  all  the 
duties  of  godliness:  moreover,  we  thank  Thee,  that 
Thou  now  hast  been  present  with  Thy  Holy  Spirit 
in  the  midst  of  this  our  assembly,  directing  our  de- 
terminations according  to  Thy  will,  uniting  our 
hearts  in  mutual  peace  and  concord — We  beseech 
Th^e,  O  Faithful  God  and  Father,  that  Thou  wilt 
graciously  be  pleased  to  bless  our  intended  labor, 
and  effectually  to  execute  Thy  begun  work,  always 
gathering  unto  Thyself  a  true  Church,  and  preserv- 
ing the  same  in  the  pure  doctrine,  and  in  the  right 
use  of  Thy  Holy  Sacraments,  and  in  a  diligent  ex- 
ercise of  discipline.  On  the  contrary,  destroy  all 
evil  and  crafty  counsels,  which  are  devised  against 
Thy  Word  and  Church.  Strengthen  also  all  the 
Ministers  of  Thy  Church,  that  they  may  faithfully 
and  steadfastly  declare  Thy  Holy  Word  :  and  the 
Magistrates  of  Thy  people,  that  they  may  bear  the 
sword  with  righteousness  and  discretion.  Particu- 
larly we  pray  for  those  whom  Thou  hast  been  pleased 
to  put  in  authority  over  us.  Grant  that  their 
whole  government  may  be  thus  directed,  that  the 
King  of  all  kings  may  rule  over  them,  and  their  fel- 
low-citizens ;  and  that  the  kingdom  of  the  devil 
(which   is   a   kingdom   of  scandal    and    reproach) 


io8 

may,  daily  more  and  more  be  destroyed  and 
brought  to  naught  by  them  as  Thy  servants,  and 
that  we  may  lead  with  them  a  quiet  and  peaceable 
life,  in  all  godhness  and  honesty.  Hear  us,  O 
God  and  Father,  through  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Be- 
loved Son,  Who  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
the  Only  and  True  God,  is  eternally  to  be  magnified 
and  praised.     Amen. 

A  PRAYER  AT  THE  MEETING  OF  THE  DEACONS. 

Merciful  God  and  Father,  Thou  hast  not 
only  said  unto  us  that  we  should  always  have  the 
poor  with  us,  but  hast  also  commanded  that  they 
should  be  assisted  ;  and  for  that  end  hast  ordained 
the  service  of  Deacons  in  Thy  Church,  by  whom 
they  might  be  relieved.  As  we,  who  are  called  to 
the  office  of  Deacons  in  this  congregation,  are  here 
at  present  met  in  Thy  Name,  to  consult  together 
concerning  our  ministry  ;  therefore  we  humbly  be- 
seech Thee,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  that  Thou 
wilt  be  pleased  to  endue  us  with  the  spirit  of  dis- 
cretion ;  to  the  end  that  we  may  rightly  discern  who 
are  really  poor  and  who  are  not :  and  that  we  may, 
with  all  cheerfulness  and  fidelity,  distribute  the 
alms  collected  by  us  to  every  one  according  to  his 
necessity  ;  not  leaving  the  indigent  members  of  Thy 
Beloved  Son  comfortless,  neither  giving  to  those 
who  are  not  in  want.  Kindle  within  the  hearts  of 
men  an  ardent  love  towards  the  poor,  that  they 
may  liberall}^  give  of  their  temporal  goods,  of 
which  Thou  hast  made  them  stewards :  and  that 
we,  having  the  means  in  hand  to  assist  the  indigent, 


109 

may  faithfully,  without  vexation,  and  with  a  free 
heart,  perform  our  office.  Grant  us  the  talents,  to 
comfort  the  miserable,  not  only  with  the  external 
gift,  but  also  with  the  Holy  Word.  And  since  man 
doth  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word 
that  proceedeth  out  of  Thy  mouth,  be  pleased 
therefore  to  extend  Thy  blessing  over  our  distribu- 
tions, and  increase  the  bread  of  the  poor,  that  both 
we  and  they  may  have  reason  to  praise  and  thank 
Thee :  expecting  the  blessed  coming  of  Thy  Be- 
loved Son  Jesus  Christ,  Who  became  poor  for  our 
sakes,  to  make  us  rich  in  eternity.'    Amen. 

EUCHARISTIC  PRAYER. 

The  Constitution  of  the  Church  directs  that  in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  "  after  the  sermon  and  usual  prayers  are  ended,  the  Form  for  the 
administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  shall  be  read,  and  a  prayer  suited  to  the 
occasion  shall  be  offered,  before  the  members  participate  of  the  ordinance." 

The  following  is  submitted  as  a  suitable  prayer,  which  may  be  used  in  compli- 
ance with  this  direction. 

It  is  very  meet  and  right,  above  all  things,  to 
give  thanks  unto  Thee,  O  Eternal  God :  Who,  by 
Thy  word,  didst  create  heaven  and  earth,  and  all 
things  therein.  For  all  Thy  bounties  known  to  us, 
for  all  unknown,  we  give  Thee  thanks ;  but  chief- 
ly, that  when,  through  disobedience,  we  had  fallen 
from  Thee,  Thou  didst  not  suffer  us  to  depart  from 
Thee  forever,  but  hast  ransomed  us  from  eternal 
death,  and  given  us  the  joyful  hope  of  everlasting 
life,  through  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son  ;  Who,  being 
Very  and  Eternal  God,  became  Man  for  us  men, 
and  for  our  salvation. 


no 

Not  as  we  ought,  but  as  we  are  able,  we  bless 
Thee  for  His  holy  incarnation  ;  for  His  life  on 
earth ;  for  His  precious  sufferings  and  death  upon 
the  cross ;  for  His  resurrection  from  the  dead ;  and 
for  His  glorious  ascension  to  Thy  right  hand. 

We  bless  Thee  for  the  giving  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
for  the  sacraments  and  ordinances  of  the  Church 
for  the  communion  of  Christ's   Body  and  Blood 
for  the  great  hope  of  everlasting  life,  and  of  an  eter- 
nal weight  of  glory. 

Thee,  Mighty  God,  Heavenly  King,  we  magnify 
and  praise.  With  angels  and  archangels,  and  all 
the  hosts  of  heaven,  we  worship  and  adore  Thy 
glorious  Name,  joining  in  the  song  of  Cherubim  and 
Seraphim,  and  saying  : — 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy,  Lord  God  of  wSabaoth, 

HEAVEN  AND  EARTH  ARE  FULL  OF  ThY  GLORY. 
HOSANNA  IN  THE  HIGHEST.  BLESSED  IS  HE  THAT 
COMETH  IN  THE  NaME  OF  THE  LORD.  HOSANNA  IN 
THE  HIGHEST. 

And  we  most  humbly  beseech  Thee,  O  Merciful 
Father,  to  vouchsafe  unto  us  Thy  gracious  pres- 
ence, as  we  commemorate  in  this  Supper  the  most 
blessed  sacrifice  of  Thy  Son ;  and  to  bless  and 
sanctify  with  Thy  Word  and  Spirit  these  Thine  own 
gifts  of  bread  and  wine  which  we  set  before  Thee ; 
that  we,  receiving  them,  according  to  our  Saviour's 
institution,  in  thankful  remembrance  of  His  death 
and  passion,  may,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  very  partakers  of  His  body  and  blood, 
with  all  His  benefits,  to  our  salvation  and  the  glory 
of  Thy  Most  Holy  Name. 


Ill 

And  here  we  offer  and  present  to  Thee,  O  Lord, 
ourselves,  our  souls  and  bodies,  to  be  a  reasonable, 
holy,  and  living  sacrifice  unto  Thee;  humbly 
beseeching-  Thee  that  all  who  are  partakers  of 
this  Holy  Communion,  may  be  filled  with  Thy 
grace  and  heavenly  benediction.  And  although 
we  be  unworthy,  through  our  manifold  sins,  to  offer 
unto  Thee  any  sacrifice,  yet  we  beseech  Thee  to 
accept  this  our  bounden  duty  and  service ;  not 
weighing  our  merits,  but  pardoning  our  offences, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

And  rejoicing  in  the  communion  of  Thy  saints, 
we  bless  Thy  Holy  Name  for  all  Thy  servants  who 
have  departed  in  the  faith,  and  who,  having  accom- 
phshed  their  warfare,  are  at  rest  with  Thee ; 
beseeching  Thee  to  enable  us  so  to  follow  their 
faith  and  good  example,  that  we  with  them  may 
finally  be  partakers  of  Thy  heavenly  Kingdom — 
when,  made  like  unto  Christ,  we  shall  behold  Him 
with  unveiled  face,  rejoicing  in  His  glory,  and  by 
Him  we,  with  all  Thy  Church,  holy  and  unspotted, 
shall  be  presented  with  exceeding  joy  before  the 
presence  of  Thy  glory.  Hear  us,  O  Heavenly 
Father,  for  His  sake:  to  Whom,  with  Thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 

Amen. 

a  morning  prayer. 

O  Merciful  Father,  we  thank  Thee,  that  Thou 
hast  in  faithfulness  watched  over  us  the  night  past: 
and  we  beseech  Thee  to  strengthen,  and  henceforth 
^uide  us  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  spend 


112 

this,  and  all  the  days  of  our  lives,  in  all  righteous- 
ness and  holiness  ;  and  that  whatsoever  we  under- 
take, we  may  always  aim  at  the  promoting  of  Thy 
glory,  and  expect  all  the  success  of  our  undertak- 
ings from  Thy  bountiful  hand  alone.  And  to  the 
end  that  we  may  obtain  this  mercy  of  Thee,  be 
pleased  (according  to  Thy  promise)  to  forgive  all 
our  sins,  through  the  holy  passion  and  blood-shed- 
ding of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  for  we 
heartily  repent  of  them.  Enlighten  also  our  hearts, 
that  we,  having  cast  offal]  works  of  darkness,  may, 
as  children  of  light,  walk  in  a  new  life  in  all  godli- 
ness. Bless  also  the  preaching  of  Thy  Gospel. 
Destroy  all  the  works  of  the  devil.  Strengthen  all 
ministers  of  the  Gospel  and  magistrates  of  thy  peo- 
ple. Comfort  all  those  who  are  persecuted  and 
afflicted  in  mind  ;  throughjesus  Christ  Thy  Beloved 
Son,  Who  hath  promised  us  that  Thou  wilt  certainly 
give  us  whatsoever  we  shall  ask  in  His  Name,  and 
therefore  hath  commanded  us  to  pray :  Our 
Father,  etc. 

AN   EVENING  PRAYER. 

O  Merciful  God,  Eternal  Light,  shining  in  dark- 
ness, Thou  who  dispellest  the  night  of  sin,  and  all 
blindness  of  heart ;  since  Thou  hast  appointed  the 
night  for  rest  and  the  day  for  labour,  we  beseech 
Thee,  grant  that  our  bodies  may  rest  in  peace  and 
quietness,  that  afterwards  they  may  be  able  to 
endure  the  labour  they  must  bear.  Temper  our 
sleep,  that  it  be  not  disorderly,  that  we  may  remain 
spotless  both  in  body  and  soul,  nay,  that  our  sleep 


113 

itself  may  be  to  Thy  glory.  Enlighten  the  eyes  of 
our  understanding,  that  we  may  not  sleep  in  death  ; 
but  always  look  for  deliverance  from  this  misery. 
Defend  us  against  all  assaults  of  the  devil,  and  take 
us  into  Thy  holy  protection.  And  although  we 
have  not  passed  this  day  without  having  greatly 
sinned  against  Thee,  we  beseech  Thee  to  hide  our 
sins  with  Thy  great  mercy,  as  thou  hidest  all  things 
on  earth  with  the  darkness  of  the  night,  that  we 
therefore  may  not  be  cast  out  from  Thy  presence. 
Relieve  and  comfort  all  those  who  are  afflicted  or 
distressed  in  mind,  body,  or  estate ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  Who  hath  taught  us  to  pray ; 
Our  Father,  etc. 

A^  PRAYER     FOR    THE    PRESIDENT    OF    THE    UNITED 
STATES  AND  ALL  IN  AUTHORITY. 

O  Lord,  our  Heavenly  Father,  the  High  and 
Mighty  Ruler  of  the  Universe,  who  dost  from  Thy 
throne  behold  all  the  dwellers  upon  earth ;  most 
heartily  we  beseech  Thee,  with  Thy  favor  to  behold 
and  bless  Thy  servant.  The  President  of  the 
United  States,  and  all  others  in  authority ;  and 
so  replenish  them  with  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  they  may  always  incline  to  Thy  will,  and  walk 
in  Thy  way.  Endue  them  plenteously  with  heav- 
enly gifts  ;  grant  them  in  health  and  prosperity 
long  to  live  ;  and  finally,  after  this  life,  to  attain 
everlasting  joy  and  felicity ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  ALL  CONDITIONS   OF   MEN. 

O  God,  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all  man- 


114 

kind,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee  for  all  sorts  and 
conditions  of  men ;  that  Thou  wouldest  be  pleased 
to  make  Thy  ways  known  unto  them,  Thy  saving- 
health  unto  all  nations.  More  especially  we  pray 
for  Thy  Holy  Church  Universal ;  that  it  may  be  so 
guided  and  governed  by  Thy  Good  Spirit,  that  all 
who  profess  and  call  themselves  Christians  may  be 
led  into  the  way  of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith  in 
unity  of  spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in  right- 
eousness of  life.  Finally,  we  commend  to  Thy  fath- 
erly goodness  all  those  who  are  any  ways  afflicted, 
or  distressed,  in  mind,  body,  or  estate ;  that  it  may 
please  Thee  to  comfort  and  relieve  them,  according 
to  their  several  necessities;  giving  them  patience 
under  their  sufferings,  and  a  happy  issue  out  of  all 
their  afflictions.  And  this  we  beg  for  Jesu3 
Christ's  sake.    Amen. 

THANKSGIVING  AFTER  HARVEST. 

We  yield  Thee  hearty  thanks,  most  merciful 
Father,  for  all  Thy  goodness,  and  especially  for  this 
Thy  bounty  again  bestowed  upon  us,  who,  through 
Thy  providence  and  tender  merc}^  towards  us,  have 
now  reaped  the  fruits  of  the  earth  in  due  season, 
and  gathered  them  into  our  garners.  Continue,  we 
beseech  Thee,  Thy  loving-kindness  towards  us,  that 
year  by  year  our  land  may  yield  her  increase,  fill- 
ing our  hearts  with  food  and  gladness,  to  the  com- 
fort of  Thy  people  and  the  glory  of  Thy  Holy 
Name  ;  and  so  dispose  us  by  Thy  special  grace 
preventing  us,  that  we  Thy  servants  may  never  sow 
only  to  the  flesh,  lest  of  the  flesh  we  reap  corrup- 


115 

tion,  but  may  sow  spiritually  to  life  everlasting,  and 
reap  the  same  in  Thy  heavenly  kingdom  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

A  GENERAL  THANKSGIVING. 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we,  Thine 
unworthy  servants,  do  give  Thee  most  humble  and 
hearty  thanks  for  all  Thy  goodness  and  loving-kind- 
ness to  us,  and  to  all  men.  We  bless  Thee  for  our 
creation,  preservation,  and  all  the  blessings  of  this 
life  ;  but  above  all,  for  Thine  inestimable  love  in  the 
redemption  of  the  world  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
for  the  means  of  grace  and  for  the  hope  of  glory. 
And,  we  beseech  Thee,  give  us  that  due  sense  of  all 
Thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly 
thankful,  and  that  we  may  show  forth  Thy  praise, 
not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives ;  by  giv- 
ing up  ourselves  to  Thy  service,  and  by  walking 
before  Thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  our 
days ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  Whom, 
with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

A   PRAYER    in    TIME    OF   DROUGHT. 

O  God,  our  Creator,  Preserver,  and  Bountiful 
Benefactor,  Who  givest  seed-time  and  harvest,  and 
sendest  both  the  early  and  latter  rain  ;  have  pity,  we 
beseech  Thee,  upon  Thy  famished  people  who  cry 
unto  Thee  in  their  tribulation,  and  in  Thy  compas- 
sion return  and  visit  us  ;  that  the  heavens  may  no 
longer  be  as  brass  above,  and  the  earth  as  iron 
beneath,  to  shut  out  from  us  Thy  mercy  ;   but  that 


ii6 

all  the  people  may  praise  Thee,  O  God,  Who  art 
the  Fountain  of  living  waters  and  the  Father  of 
mercies,  from  Whom  cometh  down  every  good 
and  perfect  gift ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Amen. 

•    a  prayer  in  time   of  pestilence. 

Holy  Lord  God  Almighty,  Who  of  old  didst  stay 
the  Angel  of  Pestilence  at  the  cry  of  Thy  repenting 
children,  and  bring  back  health  to  a  dying  people  ; 
hear  us.  Thy  suppliants,  returning  to  Thee,  as  in 
sackcloth,  dust  and  ashes,  and  mercifully  lift  from 
us  the  heavy  hand  of  Thy  righteous  visitation ; 
that  the  people  may  live  before  Thee,  and  not  die 
in  their  sins,  and  that  the  land  may  no  longer 
mourn  by  reason  of  Thy  judgments,  O  Lord,  Who 
for  our  iniquities  art  justly  displeased.  We  ask  it 
humbly  in  the  Name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

for  fair  weather. 
O  God  of  love  and  compassion,  Who  of  old  didst 
set  Thy  bow  in  the  cloud  for  a  token  of  a  covenant 
between  Thee  and  the  earth,  we  humble  ourselves 
before  thee  on  account  of  our  sins,  and  acknowledge 
Thy  chastisement  to  be  just.  Yet  spare  us,  O  Lord. 
Stay  the  excess  of  rain,  and  cause  Thy  sun  to  shine, 
that,  the  hope  of  harvest  being  fulfilled,  our  barns 
may  be  stored  with  Thy  bounty,  and  our  souls 
rejoice  in  Thee.  Above  all,  O  Lord,  grant  that  the 
Sun  of  Righteousness  may  arise  upon  us  with  heal- 
ing in  his  wings,  and  Thy  people,  walking  all  the 
day  in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance,  in  thy  right 


ii; 

eousness  may  be  exalted.  Do  this,  O  Father  of 
Mercies,  for  the  sake  of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

for    peace. 

O  God  of  Peace,  Who  didst  send  unto  us  mes- 
sages of  peace  by  thy  Son,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  and 
commandest  us  to  be  at  peace  with  all  men,  we 
entreat  Thee  to  save  us  from  quarrel,  bloodshed, 
and  war.  Still  the  tumult  of  the  people  as  Thou 
dost  the  raging  of  the  sea.*  Disappoint  the  devices 
of  the  wicked,  and  bring  their  machinations  to 
naught.  Fill  our  hearts  and  the  hearts  of  all  men 
with  Thy  love,  so  that  we  may  dwell  in  safety  under 
the  wings  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  have  peace  with 
God  through  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

FOR    THE    ABSENT     FROM    HOME. 

O  God,  Who  art  everywhere  present,  ruling  the 
sea  and  the  land,  we  entreat  Thee  for  Thy  servant 
now  absent  from  us.  Rescue  him  from  peril,  from 
sickness,  from  sin,  and  from  death.  Cover  him  as 
with  a  shield,  and  sanctify  his  experience  of  Thy 
mercy  to  his  eternal  profit  and  joy.  In  due  time 
restore  him  to  his  home,  and  keep  him  and  us 
through  the  journey  of  this  life,  that  we  may  all 
reach  our  Father's  house  in  peace,  through  His 
grace  Who  hath  opened  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  to 
all  who  believe  in  His  Holy  Name.     Amen. 

*  In  time  of  war  may  be  here  inserted  : 

Give  us  not  over  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  but  defend  us 
and  grant  us  the  victory,  which  is  in  Thine  hand. 


Ii8 

ON    COMMENCING    A    JOURNEY. 

O  Most  Glorious  Lord  God,  Who  of  old  didst  lead 
Thine  armies  as  with  a  pillar  of  cloud  by  day  and  of 
fire  by  night,  be  our  Leader  and  Guardian,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  in  all  our  journeyings ;  our  support  in 
setting  out ;  our  solace  on  the  way  ;  our  shadow  in 
the  heat ;  our  covert  in  the  rain  and  cold  ;  the  help  of 
our  weariness;  the  fortress  of  our  adversity;  and 
our  staff  in  the  way  of  danger ;  that  under  Thy 
guidance  we  may  safely  come  to  our  journey's  end, 
and  at  length  to  the  end  of  this  our  earthly  warfar*e 
and  pilgrimage  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

for  a  person  going  to  sea. 

O  Eternal  Lord  God,  Who  alone  spreadest  out 
the  heavens,  and  rulest  the  raging  of  the  sea :  We 
commend  to  Thine  Almighty  protection  Thy  ser- 
vant, for  whose  preservation  on  the  great  deep  our 
prayers  are  desired.  Guard  him,  we  beseech  Thee, 
from  the  dangers  of  the  sea,  from  sickness,  from  the 
violence  of  enemies,  from  every  evil;  and  conduct 
him  in  safety  to  the  haven  where  he  would  be, 
with  a  grateful  sense  of  Thy  mercies  :  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

FOR  THE   SICK, 

O  Lord  God,  in  Whose  hand  our  breath  is; 
regard  with  tender  compassion  Thy  servant, 
whom  it  hath  pleased  Thee  to  visit  with  sickness. 
Be  graciously  near  to  him  in  the  hour  of  his  need. 
Grant  unto  hi^n  true  repentance  for  all  his  sins,  a 


119 

firm  and  steady  trust  in  the  merits  of  Thy  Son, 
Jesus  Christ,  and  grace  to  be  in  perfect  charity 
with  all  men.  Enable  him  to  cast  all  his  cares  on 
Thee,  and  to  yield  himself  with  childlike  submis- 
sion to  Thy  righteous  will. 

God  of  all  power  and  grace,  bless,  we  entreat 
Thee,  the  means  used  for  his  recovery,  rebuke  the 
violence  of  disease,  and  raise  him  up  from  his  bed 
of  pain,  that,  being  delivered  by  Thy  compassion, 
he  may  walk  before  Thee  in  newness  of  life.  But 
if,  O  Most  Wise  and  Merciful  Father,  this  sickness 
should  be  unto  death,  grant  him^  we  humbly 
implore  Thee,  a  comfortable  release  from  all  his 
sufferings.  Let  the  arms  of  Thine  everlasting  love 
be  around  him^  and,  when  flesh  and  heart  shall  fail, 
be  Thou  the  strength  of  his  heart  and  his  portion 
for  evermore  :  through  the  mediation  and  merits  of 
Thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

FOR  A  SICK   CHILD. 

O  Almighty  God  and  Merciful  Father,  to  Whom 
alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  and  death  ;  look  down 
from  Heaven,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee,  upon  this 
child,  now  lying  upon  the  bed  of  sickness.  Visit 
him^  O  Lord,  with  Thy  salvation,  deliver  him  in 
Thy  good  time  from  his  bodily  pain,  and  save  his 
soul  for  Thy  mercies'  sake  ;  that  if  it  shall  be  Thy 
pleasure  to  prolong  his  days  here  on  earth,  he  may 
live  to  Thee,  and  be  an  instrument  of  Thy  glory,  by 
serving  Thee  faithfully,  and  doing  good  in  his  gen- 
eration ;  or  else  receive  him  into  those  heavenly 
habitations,  where  the  souls  of  those  who  sleep  in 


I20 

the  Lord  Jesus  enjoy  perpetual  rest  and  felicity. 
Grant  this,  O  Lord,  for  Thy  mercies'  sake,  in  the 
Name  of  Thy  Son,  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  liv- 
eih.and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

FOR   GRACE  TO   USE  ARIGHT  THE   WORD. 

Blessed  Lord,  Who  hast  caused  all  Holy  Scrip- 
tures to  be  written  for  our  learning  ;  grant  that  we 
may  in  such  wise  hear  them,  read,  mark,  learn,  and 
inwardly  digest  them,  that  by  patience  and  com- 
fort of  Thy  Holy  Word  we  may  embrace  and  ever 
hold  fast  the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life  which 
Thou  hast  given  us  in  our  Savour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

for  forgiveness. 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  Who  hatest  noth- 
ing that  Thou  hast  made,  and  dost  forgive  the  sins 
of  all  those  who  are  penitent ;  Create  and  make  in 
us  new  and  contrite  hearts,  that  we,  worthily  lament- 
ing our  sins,  and  acknowledging  our  wretchedness, 
may  obtain  of  Thee,  the  God  of  all  mercy,  perfect 
remission  and  forgiveness;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 

FOR  PROTECTION. 

Almighty  God,  Who  seest  that  we  have  no 
power  of  ourselves  to  help  ourselves :  Keep  us 
both  outwardly  in  our  bodies  and  inwardly  in  our 
souls ;  that  we  may  be  defended  from  all  adversi- 
ties which  may  happen  to  the  body,  and  from   all 


121 

evil  thoughts  which  may  assault  and  hurt  the  soul ; 
and  as  we  have  received  how  we  ought  to  walk 
and  please  Thee,  so  may  we  abound  more  and 
more;  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Qhrist.' 

Amen. 

at  the  christmas  season. 

Almighty  God,  give  us  grace  that  we  may  cast 
away  the  works  of  darkness,  and  put  upon  us  the 
armor  of  light,  now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal 
life,  in  which  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  came  to  visit 
us  with  great  humility :  that  in  the  last  day,  when 
He  shall  come  again  in  His  glorious  Majesty  to 
judge  both  the  quick  and  dead,  we  may  rise  to 
the  life  immortal:  through  Him  who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  now  and 
ever.     Amen. 

O  Lord,  Who  hast  given  us  cause  of  perpetual 
joy  by  the  coming  of  Thy  Son  our  Saviour  among 
us:  Raise  up  Thy  power,  we  pray  Thee,  and  pos- 
sess us  with  a  mighty  sense  of  Thy  wonderful  love  ; 
that  whereas  through  the  cares  of  this  life  we  are 
sorely  let  and  hindered  in  running  the  race  that  is 
set  before  us,  we  may  be  careful  for  nothing,  but 
thankfully  commending  ourselves  in  everything  to 
Thy  bountiful  grace  and  mercy,  the  peace  of  Thee, 
our  God,  which  passeth  all  understanding,  may 
keep  our  hearts  and  minds,  through  the  satisfaction 
of  Thy  Son  our  Lord  ;  to  Whom,  with  Thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  honor  and  glory,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

6 


122 
AT  THE   EASTER   SEASON. 

Almighty  God,  Who  hast  given  Thine  Only 
Son  to  be  unto  us  both  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  and  also 
an  example  of  godly  life  :  Give  us  grace  that  we 
may  always  most  thankfully  receive  that  His  most 
inestimable  benefit ;  and  also  daily  endeavor  to  fol- 
low the  blessed  steps  of  His  most  holy  life ;  that 
dying  unto  sin,  and  living  unto  righteousness,  we 
may  at  last  obtain  eternal  life :  Through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Blessed  Lord,  Whose  Only  Son  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  hath  once  suffered  for  our  sins,  the 
just  for  the  unjust,  that  He  might  bring  us  to  Thee 
our  God  :  We  beseech  Thee,  that  as  we  are  baptiz- 
ed into  His  death,  so  by  continually  mortifying  our 
corrupt  affections  we  may  be  buried  with  Him ; 
and  at  last  through  the  grave,  and  gate  of  death, 
pass  to  our  joyful  resurrection  :  For  His  merits, 
Who  died,  and  was  buried,  and  rose  again.  Thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  Who  of  Thy 
tender  love  towards  mankind  has  sent  Thy  Son, 
our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  take  upon  Him  our 
flesh,  and  that  in  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  to  suf- 
fer death,  even  the  death  of  the  Cross,  for  our  re- 
demption, and  that  we  should  follow  the  example 
of  His  great  humility,  patience,  and  obedience: 
Mercifully  grant  that  this  mind  may  be  in  us  which 
was  also  in  Christ  Jesus,  that  we  may  both  follow 
the  example  of  His  humble  obedience  and  patient 


^"3 

suffering-,  and  also  be  made  partakers  of -His  glori- 
ous resurrection,  to  live  with  Thee  for  ever.  Grant 
this  for  the  sake  of  Thy  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

AT  THE   SEASON   OF   PENTECOST. 

O  God  the  King  of  Glory,  Who  hast  exalted 
Thine  Only  Son  Jesus  Christ  with  great  triumph 
unto  Thy  Kingdom  in  heaven  ;  We  beseech  Thee, 
leave  us  not  comfortless  ;  but  send  to  us  Thy  Holy 
Ghost  to  comfort  us,  and  exalt  us  unto  the  same 
place  whither  our  Saviour  Christ  is  gone  before  ; 
Who  Hveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  One  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

God  of  all  peace  and  consolation,  Who  didst  glo- 
riously fulfil  the  great  promise  of  the  Gospel,  by 
sending  down  Thy  Holy  Ghost  on  the  day  of  Pen- 
tecost, to  establish  the  Church  as  the  home  of  His 
continual  presence  and  power  among  men  ;  merci- 
fully grant  unto  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  this  same  gift 
of  the  Spirit,  to  renew,  illuminate,  refresh,  and 
sanctify  our  dying  souls,  to  be  over  us  and  around 
us  hke  the  light  and  dew  of  heaven,  and  to  be  in  us 
evermore  as  a  well  of  water  springing  up  into  ever- 
lasting life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to 
Whom,  with  Thee,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  One 
God,  be  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


XIV. 


THE  APOSTLES     CREED. 

I  BELIEVE  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker 
of  heaven  and  earth  ; 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  Only  Son  our  Lord ; 
Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  ot 
the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate, 
was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried  ;  He  descended  in- 
to hell;  the  third  day  He  rose  again  from  the 
dead ;  He  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from 
thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the 
dead. 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holy  Catholic 
Church,,  the  communion  of  saints;  the  forgiveness 
of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body  ;  and  the  life 
everlasting.     Amen. 


THE   CONFESSION   OF  FAITH, 
COMPOSED  IN  THE  COUNCIL  OF  NICE,  A.  D,,  325. 

We  believe  in  one  God,  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  of  all  things 
visible  and  invisible  ; 

And  in  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Only  Begotten 

Son  of  God,  begotten   of  his   Father,  before   all 
(124) 


125 

worlds ;  God,  of  God,  Light,  of  Light,  very  God,  of 
very  God  ;  begotten,  not  made,  being  of  one  sub- 
stance with  the  Father,  by  Whom  all  things  were 
made  :  Who,  for  us  men  and  for  our  salvation,  came 
down  from  heaven,  and  was  incarnate  by  the  Holy 
Ghost  of  the  Virgin  Mary  ;  and  was  made  Man ;  and 
was  crucified  also  for  us  under  Pontius  Pilate.  He 
suffered  and  was  buried  ;  and  the  third  day  He 
arose  again  according  to  the  Scriptures ;  and  as- 
cended into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on,  the  right  hand 
of  the  Father.  And  He  shall  come  again,  with 
glory,  to  judge  both  the  quick  and  the  dead  ;  Whose 
kingdom  shall  have  no  end. 

And  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  Who  spake  by  the  pro- 
phets. And  one  holy  Catholic  and  Apostolic 
Church.  We  acknowledge  one  baptism  for  the  re- 
mission of  sins ;  and  we  look  for  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead,  and  the  life  of  the  world  to  come. 
Amen. 


THE   CREED   OF   ATHANASIUS,   A.  D.    333. 

1.  Whosoever  will  be  saved,  before  all  things  it 
is  necessary  that  he  hold  the  Catholic  faith. 

2.  Which  faith,  except  one  do  keep  whole  and 
undefiled,  without  doubt  he  shall  perish  everlast- 
ingly. 

3.  The  Catholic  faith  is  this,  that  we  worship  one 
God  in  Trinity,  and  Trinity  in  Unity ; 

4.  Neither  confounding  the  Persons  nor  dividing 
the  substance. 

5.  For  there  is  one  person  of  the  Father,  another 
of  the  Son,  and  another  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 


126 

6.  But  the  Godhead  of  the  Father,  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  is  all  one ;  the  Glory  equal, 
and  the  Majesty  coeternal. 

7.  Such  as  the  Father  is,  such  is  the  Son,  and 
such  is  the  Holy  Ghost. 

8.  The  Father  uncreated,  the  Son  uncreated,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  uncreated. 

9  The  Father  incomprehensible,  and  the  Son  in- 
comprehensible, and  the  Holy  Ghost  incompre- 
hensible. 

10.  The  Father  eternal,  the  Son  eternal,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  eternal : 

1 1.  And  yet  they  are  not  three  Eternals ;  but  one 
Eternal. 

12.  As  also  there  are  not  three  Incomprehensi- 
sbles,  nor  three  Uncreated  ;  but  one  Uncreated,  and 
one  Incomprehensible. 

13.  So  likewise  the  Father  is  Almighty,  the  Son 
Almighty,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  Almighty. 

14.  And  yet  they  are  not  three  Almighties,  but 
one  Almighty. 

15.  So  the  Father  is  God,  the  Son  is  God,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  is  God. 

16.  And  yet  there  are  not  three  Gods,  but  one 
God. 

17.  So  likewise  the  Father  is  Lord,  the  son  Lord, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost  Lord. 

18.  And  yet  they  are  not  three  Lords,  but  one 
Lord. 

19.  For,  as  we  are  compelled  by  the  Christian 
truth  to  acknowledge  each  Person  by  Himself  to 
be  God  and  Lord. 


127 

20.  So  we  are  forbidden  by  the  Catholic  faith,  to 
say,  there  be  three  Gods,  or  three  Lords. 

21.  The  Father  is  made  of  none,  neither  created 
nor  begotten. 

22.  The  Son  is  of  the  Father  alone,  not  made, 
nor  created,  but  begotten. 

23.  The  Holy  Ghost  is  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  neither  made,  nor  created,  nor  begotten,  but 
proceeding. 

24.  So  there  is  one  Father,  not  three  Fathers  ; 
one  Son,  not  three  Sons  ;  one  Holy  Ghost,  not 
three  Holy  Ghosts : 

25.  And  in  this  Trinity,  there  is  not  first  nor  last. 

26.  But  the  whole  three  Persons  are  coeternal  to- 
gether, and  coequal. 

27.  So  that  in  all  things,  as  it  is  aforesaid,  the 
Unity  in  Trinity,  and  Trinity  in  Unity  is  to  be 
worshipped. 

28.  He  therefore  that  will  be  saved,  must  thus 
think  of  the  Trinity. 

29.  Furthermore,  it  is  necessary  to  everlasting 
salvation,  that  he  also  believe  rightly  the  Incarna- 
tion of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

30.  For  the  right  faith  is,  that  we  believe  and 
confess,  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of 
God,  is  God  and  Man : 

31.  God  of  the  substance  of  the  Father,  begot- 
ten before  the  world;' and  Man  of  the  Substance 
of  his  Mother,  born  in  time : 

32.  Perfect  God  and  perfect  Man.  having  a  rea- 
sonable Soul  and  a  human  Body  : 

33.  Equal  to  the  Father,  according  to  his  God- 


128 

head :  and  inferior  to  the  Father  as  to  his  Man- 
hood : 

34.  Who,  although  He  be  God  and  Man,  yet  He 
is  not  two  but  one  Christ : 

35.  One,  not  by  conversion  of  the  Godhead  into 
flesh,  but  by  taking  of  the  Manhood  into  God. 

36.  He  is  not  one  by  mixture  of  Substance,  but 
by  unity  of  Person. 

37.  For  the  reasonable  soul  and  flesh  is  one  Man ; 
so  God  and  Man  is  one  Christ  : 

38.  Who  suffered  for  our  salvation,  descended 
into  hell,  rose  again  the  third  day  from  the  dead ; 

39.  He  ascended  into  heaven,  sits  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  the  Father  Almighty  : 

40.  From  whence  He  shall  come  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead. 

41.  At  Whose  coming  all  men  shall  rise  again 
with  their  bodies ; 

42.  And  shall  give  account  for  their  own  works. 

43.  And  they  that  have  done  good  shall  go  into 
life  everlasting ;  and  they  that  have  done  evil,  into 
everlasting  fire. 

44.  This  is  the  CathoHc  Faith,  which  except  a 
man  believe  faithfully,  he  cannot  be  saved. 


UNIVEESITY  OP  CALIFOENIA  LIBEARY, 
BEEKELEY 


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